Europe can reduce its dependence on Russian energy through diversification “in a relatively short time”, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
“We no longer want to depend on Russian gas, because economic dependence should not become political subordination,” he said. “To achieve this, we need to diversify energy sources and find new suppliers.”
To break away from Russian energy, Italy’s Annie signed an agreement with Algeria’s Sonatrach earlier this month to produce an additional 9 billion cubic meters of gas by next year and in 2024. “Other countries will follow,” said Draghi. “Diversification is possible and feasible in a relatively short period, shorter than we imagined just a month ago.”
Russia currently supplies about 40 percent of Italy’s natural gas and 45 percent of its gas imports to the EU.
Draghi also said Italy’s proposal to introduce a natural gas price cap “receives support” in the EU. The bloc has agreed to suspend coal imports in early April, and there is pressure to extend this to oil and gas.
“Europe continues to finance Russia by buying oil and gas, among other things, at a price that has nothing to do with historical values and production costs,” Draghi said.
Asked about winter and the risk of slowing down industrial production if there is a shortage of gas, Draghi said Italy is well-positioned with gas in storage and new gas from other suppliers.
“Even if measures need to be taken to limit emissions, they will be light,” he said, adding that they would include reducing heating by 1 to 2 degrees and similar changes when it comes to air conditioners.
Draghi also said the goal would be to quickly invest in renewable energy sources. “So far, the obstacle has been mainly bureaucratic and permissive,” he said. “We can no longer afford this type of veto.”
Italy closes ports to Russian ships
As of Sunday, April 17, Italian ports will still be closed to Russian ships, RIA Novosti reported, citing Stampa.
According to a circular from the High Command of the Port Authority, which was available to the Italian newspaper, this ban will also apply to those ships that change the Russian flag with the flag of another country after the start of the war in Ukraine on February 24.
It is specified that these Russian ships, which are already in ports in Italy, will have to leave them as soon as they close their commercial activities.
Earlier it became known that the Romanian authorities will ban ships flying the Russian flag from entering their ports from April 17th. It was noted that an exception would be made only for those ships that needed an emergency stop, assistance, or shelter.
Related Posts
- Putin has said that Austria can pay for Russian gas in euros
Russian President Vladimir Putin told Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer during their meeting earlier this week…
- YouTube blocks the channel of the Russian parliament
The blocking of the YouTube channel of the State Duma "Duma TV" is related to…
- Erdogan held key talks on Ukraine and gas
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held telephone talks Sunday with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehamer before…
- Germany's largest gas storage facility has shut down
The Rheden underground storage facility, one of the largest in Europe and the largest in…
- Russian separatist to Mariupol: We will liquidate you
Ukrainian fighters who remain in Mariupol and refuse to surrender will be eliminated, said the…
- Europe freezes $ 32 billion in assets of Russian oligarchs
EU governments have frozen about 30 billion euros ($ 32.6 billion) in assets related to…
- Moscow promises a legal battle against the seizure of Russian assets
Moscow will fight attempts to seize Russian property abroad in courts around the world. This…
- YouTube blocked the famous Russian song "Do Russians want war"
Roskomnadzor explained the blocking on YouTube of the song "Do the Russians Want War", brilliantly…
- Putin could cut off supplies to Europe. But what will he do with the excess gas?
Those who do not pay will not receive the gas, Putin said. Is it possible…
- Dallas Federal Reserve: A global recession is inevitable without Russian oil
The world economy will probably not be able to avoid a recession without a resumption…
- Russian ambassadors are turning quiet diplomacy into a fierce front
On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine and began virtually without cause the most destructive conflict…
- The Finns want to join NATO because of Russian aggression
Finland's eastern border is over 1,300 kilometers long. It separates the country from Russia. Peace…
- The Russian Consul General in Antwerp is among those declared persona non grata by Belgium
Russia's Consul General in Antwerp Georgi Kuznetsov is among 21 recently announced 21 Russian diplomats…
- Biden advises India: It is not in your interest to increase imports of Russian energy sources
US President Joe Biden told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their virtual meeting today…
- The collective Putin of the Russian people - what to do with him
Yaroslav Hrytsak (born 1960) is a Ukrainian historian and publicist. Professor of Modern and Contemporary…
- Russian conductor Valery Gergiev with properties abroad for over 100 million dollars
Valery Gergiev, one of the world's most famous Russian conductors and a member of a…
- Why Germany cannot part with Russia
Germany's dependence on Russian energy supplies and its inability to quickly abandon natural gas and…
- The Z symbol is appearing more and more often in Germany
The Z symbol has become a sign of support for Russia's war in Ukraine. It…
- Volodymyr Zelensky: This is not just a war, it is much worse
On March 27, Zelensky gave his first major interview with Russian journalists since the start…
More Stories
Finland did not bow to Russia
More than 80 years ago, little Finland opposed Russia. Today, the country has not bowed to the Russians again. And...
Lebanese vote Sunday in the first election since the country’s economic collapse
Lebanese vote Sunday in the first election since the country's economic collapse. (more…)
Finland has confirmed that it is applying for NATO, and Sweden decides today
Finland has formally confirmed its intention to join NATO. It came with the words of its president, Sauli Niinisto, ending...
Putin warned Finland that joining NATO would be a mistake
Russian President Vladimir Putin told Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinistö on Saturday that it would be a mistake for Helsinki to...
Hungary wants 750m euros to stop importing Russian oil
Hungary wants 750m euros to stop importing Russian oil. This became clear from the words of Foreign Minister Peter Siarto...
“Putin’s regime is becoming more fascist”
The Russian leadership and Putin have repeatedly said that Russia is fighting fascists in Ukraine. Why? And what does this...