Energy union can't be achieved without solidarity: Slovak president
Xinhua, November 23, 2015 Adjust font size:
The European Union's (EU) ambitious energy union project can't be achieved without solidarity, said Slovak President Andrej Kiska at the Central European energy conference 2015 on Monday.
Kiska cited the gas crisis of 2009, which was caused when gas supplies from Russia via Ukraine threatened Slovakia's energy security and almost 800 Slovak businesses had to halt production. This lead to losses worth more than 1 billion euros (1.06 billion U.S. dollars).
"During the crisis, we very much appreciated the solidarity and support shown by EU institutions," said Kiska, adding that thanks to the EU's support, the Slovak government's measures and action taken by companies responsible for the supply and transit of gas, Slovakia was now a more secure country.
According to Kiska, the ongoing crisis in Ukraine affects energy supply, hence why greater solidarity is required.
"It's the returning threat of cutting off natural gas supplies following what happened six years ago that was the motive and basis for the European energy union project. And an important feature of this effort was help for Ukraine. By launching reverse flows of gas, Slovakia has significantly contributed to increasing Ukraine's energy security," concluded Kiska. Endit