Josep Borrell, head of European diplomacy, said that the community bloc began talks with countries such as Norway, Qatar, Azerbaijan and Algeria to ensure that the energy flow continues “to be reliable, affordable and safe”
The United States and the European Union (EU) criticized Russia on Monday for using the energy supply to Europe as a geopolitical “weapon” for which they promised to intensify cooperation amid tensions with Moscow over the concentration of troops in the border with Ukraine.
This was stated by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, at the start of the bilateral Energy Council in Washington.
“This is truly a fundamental discussion and one that could not be more timely,” said the head of US diplomacy in his opening speech.
Blinken noted that “Russia has tried to increase its energy advantage” and Russian companies have stopped pumping natural gas to Europe amid rising world prices and in the dead of winter.
Borrell lamented that Russia “does not hesitate to use” energy as “a weapon for geopolitical benefits” at a time of global scarcity, for which “strategic” collaboration with Washington is key.
“We have contacted our main energy suppliers to reinforce our preparation and ensure that the flow of energy remains reliable, affordable and secure,” said the EU high representative, referring to ongoing talks with Norway, Qatar, Azerbaijan and Algeria, among others.
For his part, Borrell warned that Europe is going through the “most dangerous moment” for its security since the end of the Cold War, although, he clarified, a “diplomatic solution” is still “possible”.
“It’s not scaremongering, it’s just the facts,” Blinken added, during the press conference, when asked about the US warnings about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.