The EU should strive to reduce dependence on Russian energy as soon as possible, says the head of European diplomacy.
If sanctions are imposed on Russian energy supplies, oil will be considered first, reports the Chronicle.info with reference to the Correspondent.
This was stated by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and security policy Josep Borrell.
«With regard to sanctions, we will continue the discussion to see what else can be done, including sanctions on oil and gas. No decisions have been made today. There was a discussion in general, it is important to make a distinction between oil and gas. In 2021, the oil bill was four times higher than the gas bill. We are talking about 80 billion euros and 20 billion euros on the other hand. Therefore, it is important to start with oil — a big bill and it is easier to replace it», — he said in Luxembourg after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Borrell added that the effect of sanctions on gas and oil from Russia will be asymmetrical for different EU countries.
&# 171;For some members who do not use Russian gas, it will be easy to say that they are ready not to use it. For others who are seriously dependent, it will not be easy. Everyone should be aware of the great risk of this heavy dependence on energy resources», — he noted.
According to the diplomat, the EU must fight to reduce this dependence as soon as possible. To do this, it is necessary to develop renewable sources, work with other suppliers.
«It will take time», — Borrell explained.