Von der Leyen: We are in a period of crisis in which authoritarianisms challenge democracies

“A period of crisis in which authoritarianisms challenge democracies,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a joint statement with Norwegian Prime Minister Gar Stor.

The “special” and “unique” relationship between the EU and Norway, the Commission President said, “is not only due to the geographical proximity we have, but also to the fact that there is a great proximity, if I may say so, of values. We are very like-minded partners “.

He noted that “this is very important in these difficult times. These are difficult times to see. Russia is attacking Ukraine, putting a lot of pressure on us for many years, having a hybrid war in Ukraine. But it is more than that.” “It’s not just Russia that has created this crisis by violating international law, it is violating all commitments to the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, it is also a period of crisis in which totalitarian regimes are challenging democracies.”

Ursula von der Leyen also spoke about energy, stressing that “Russia has been instrumentalizing energy in recent months, if not years, to put pressure not only on Ukraine but also on the European Union.”

“We are now really determined to get out of dependence on Russian gas,” he said, adding that Norway was a “reliable supplier of gas”.

“We also share the understanding that, yes, natural gas is important and we need to diversify and modernize these systems,” she said. “It is a ‘transient energy source. “For us, the slogan is very clear for the European Union: to get rid of our dependence on Russian gas and to get more into renewable energy,” said Ursula von der Leyen.

SOURCE: AMPE

Source: Capital

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