Portugal defends reducing the EU’s energy dependence on Russian gas
“We have less dependence on the EU on Russia, namely in the supply of gas, and for that it is necessary to diversify as sources of gas supply, whether from ‘green’ gas to the EU” and “it is absolutely essential to develop gas interconnections” , namely, the defender of the State and of Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva.
Speaking to Portuguese journalists in Brussels, at the end of a meeting of the heads of European diplomacy focused on the situation in Ukraine due to Russian movements along the Ukrainian border, Santos Silva noted, however, that “the level of dependence [de Portugal] vis-a-vis Russia has no comparison with other Member States”.
“Russia is one of the gas suppliers to Portugal, but it is not the main one, nor the two or three main supplements”, added one.
Even so, Ukraine, probably, in the sector, which, probably, disruptions, in the supply, precisely, at the time of crisis to Europe, can increase the frequency, at the time of crisis to Europe, which can increase the frequency, at the time of crisis to Europe electricity and gas bills.
“The development of gas interconnections is absolutely essential because that is what allows diversifying as sources of gas and energy dependence on Russia, thus removing a lever (Moscow) uses for reinforcements”, Augusto Santos Silva, speaking at the need for these infrastructures to be already adapted to green and other “gases”.
At the request, last week to EU member states, to update the emergency gas contingency plans, making the “importance of risk preparedness”, possible eventual disruptions in the Russian emergency supply afterwards. Europe.
At the meeting with his European counterparts, Augusto Silva also said he had solidarity with Ukraine, as well as having warned of the need for the relationship between Europe and Russia to be considered, both in the European context and in Africa” to become in an “actively supportive relationship” in regions such as the Central African Republic and the Sahel.
Ukraine and NATO have announced, in recent months, the concentration of a large number of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border, considering it to be the preparation of an invasion.
Westerners received a Russian invasion of the neighboring country’s territory, like the one in 2014 that culminated in the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.
The Kremlin (Russian Presidency) rejects a warlike intention in these manoeuvres.