European Commissioner makes an appeal to the Netherlands: think of increasing gas extraction in Groningen
European Commissioner Thierry Breton calls on the Netherlands not to miss any opportunity to obtain energy in advance. Not even increasing gas extraction in Groningen. Every EU country must do what it can to help the whole EU through the energy crisis, he says.
The cabinet only wants to look at the Groningen gas tap in very last settings. It should close completely next year.
But the EU had to rest on its neck as much as possible in a speech at Eindhoven University of Technology. “Each way must take its responsibilities and take all measures necessary to reduce the demand for Russian gas.” In his view, no EU country can cope with the corona crisis, stand on its own two feet militarily, and switch to a sustainable economy by becoming independent of energy from Russia.
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That requires ‘difficult decisions’, acknowledges the European Commissioner for the Internal Market. ‘You notice that here, with the increase in coal power generation or the reconsideration of gas extraction.’ However, with the ‘gas shock’ Europe is going through, ‘we must not let ourselves restrain ourselves from exploring all the options on the table’.
Bitter Pills
Other EU countries are also taking bitter pills, Breton argues in his speech before the opening of the academic year. Belgium and Germany, for example, which seem to be receiving their farewell to nuclear power. Sometimes that can be a short-lived step back, for example for the climate of the environment. But, according to him, Europe will not be able to accumulation of crises.
Also read | Ministry knew that Groningen gas extraction could be reduced
Neighbors like Germany and Belgium still receive Groningen gas. If they run out of gas in the winter, they can call on the Netherlands. But increasing gas extraction in Groningen could cause new earthquakes, SSM added.