France: EU to decide jointly in case of US embargo on Russian gas and oil

The European Union intends to remain “united” on the issue of an embargo on Russian gas and oil, and France is urging the United States to act “in coordination” with its partners, the French government said today.

French Ecological Transition Minister Barbara Pompili, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, is expected to meet with US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in Washington on Thursday.

“We are asking for some coordination,” the minister told AFP.

“We understand the American position,” but “it is not at all in the same energy state as us,” the source said.

The United States has said it would impose an embargo on Russian gas and oil in response to the invasion of Ukraine to deprive Moscow of valuable resources, but has not yet made that decision.

Europe is experiencing a very different situation as it imports 40% of its gas from Russia, emphasizes the environment of Barbara Pobili.

Thus, German Chancellor Olaf Soltz stressed yesterday, Monday, that imports of energy from fossil fuels originating in Russia are “necessary” and assessed that European supply can not be otherwise secured at this stage.

“We will decide at the right time whether to follow the United States, but in any case this will be a common response,” he said. “Europe will remain united, cohesive and coordinated in every decision,” he insisted, ruling out any unilateral decision, especially by France, which is less dependent on Russian gas than some of Europe’s neighbors.

SOURCE: AMPE

Source: Capital

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