A joint energy strategy for the EU

The Stockholm-based newspaper calls on the countries of the EU to forge a joint energy strategy regarding Russia. The plans for the construction of a Russian-German gas pipeline running under the Baltic Sea are the source of widespread concern in Sweden. Swedish experts have expressed their concern about the environmental repercussions of such a project, pointing out that the Baltic is already heavily polluted with waste and military equipment from World War II. There are also fears that the pipeline could be used for espionage purposes, and will increase Russia's military presence in the region. The newspaper concludes that the EU should focus more on its own energy resources: "There's no doubt that Russia will continue to be a major energy supplier for Europe. However, the EU should take more advantage of the fact that Russia is also dependent on the Union as an important customer. Moreover, it's high time that Sweden and all the other EU states started focusing more on nuclear power. There's no reason to make ourselves more dependent on Russia than absolutely necessary."

» full article (external link, Swedish)
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