US-EU Energy Council meets in Washington - Hoofdinhoud
EU- US Energy Council meets in Washington
The EU-US meeting on energy cooperation took place in Washington on Wednesday 4 May to discuss energy security, diversification of energy sources, how to achieve clean energy and the climate targets agreed at the Paris Climate Summit. The meeting brought together on the EU side High Representative Federica Mogherini i, Commission Vice -President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič i and Climate and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete i with their US counterparts - Secretary of State John Kerry i and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz.
Speaking at the beginning of the Council Federica Mogherini highlighted the importance of tackling climate change " It is of fundamental importance for our people both in America and in Europe. And sometimes we refer to these issues as something relevant for the future generations... but it is also relevant for the presence of our countries, of our people, and this is why we will focus ... on our joint responsibility to work together on the implementation of the Paris agreement we managed to shape last year. "
The discussion focussed also on energy security. "for the first time there is a joined-up approach and energy strategy for the European Union that considers the external aspects of it as geopolitical elements but also elements of security for Europe. That means establishing a fully liberalized and interconnected energy market for Europe, diversifying our fuels, our suppliers, and our supply routes following this coherent energy union strategy.", said Mogherini.
Highlighting the use of energy as a political weapon, the High Representative said: "we are very well aware that energy resources are still a major source of conflict, and together we believe we can lead the way towards 21st century rules for trade in energy."
Prior to the EU-US Energy Council the High Representative also held a bilateral meeting with John Kerry where they discussed Syria and other international issues. Speaking at a joint press conference Mogherini underlined that the results that the US leadership, in coordination with the Russian co-chair of the group on the cessation of hostilities, "is vital for so many people inside Syria that it is simply something that we cannot lose".
The European Union., she underlined, "will continue to work on the ground for the delivery of humanitarian aid wherever it is possible, working with our counterparts in the region and inside Syria to make sure that access is real to all parts of the country that need humanitarian assistance. And obviously we will continue to work together on the talks in Geneva to start with some substance that allows a transition and a change in governance."
The High Representative, reflecting on the EU-US relationship, echoed the words of President Obama during his visit to Europe last week where he emphasised the many areas where Europe and America are working together on foreign policy, from the Iran deal to Ukraine, to Syria, to Libya. "We value our partnership so much., she underlined.
Links to press points:
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2016/160505_01_en.htm