Macron says ‘no evidence’ to blame Russia for energy crisis
French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed allegations that Russia contributed to Europe’s current energy crisis.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Macron warned against “trading tensions” between world leaders.
“I have no evidence that there’s been manipulation of prices and I’m not accusing anybody,” he said. “These are trading relations. They shouldn’t be used for geopolitical reasons.”
Europe is facing a crisis as gas prices have spiraled to multi-year highs in recent weeks. Some in the continent accuse Russia of deliberately restricting gas flows into Europe, which is heavily reliant on energy supplies from Russia.
“It’s not a matter of whether we’re too dependent on a company or not, it’s how do we create alternatives,” Macron said, referring to the Russian gas giant Gazprom, adding that “the only alternatives are to have European renewables and of course, European nuclear.”
Macron also noted that “it is unlikely for energy prices to be reduced significantly over the short term.” He urged the world’s top 20 economies, known as the G20, to coordinate between energy producers and consuming countries to prevent a supply breakdown this winter, which risked “extreme tensions both economically and socially.”
President Vladimir Putin of Russia has said Europe’s gas shortage is largely caused by “systematic flaws” in the continent’s energy market. He believes what is happening in Europe is due to the “unbalanced decisions” and “drastic steps” they take. The Russian leader also said his country was “ready” to increase gas exports, adding that supplies were going up by “as much as our partners are asking us.”
Russia supplies more than a third of Europe’s gas.
‘Arab Nelson Mandela’ released after 40 years in France
Israeli fans clash with French supporters at Paris football match
Protests held in Paris against pro-Israel gala organized by far-right figures
VIDEO | Struggles of Palestinian women amidst war, displacement
VIDEO | Hezbollah rains attack drones down on elite Israeli brigade
VIDEO | US biased mediation fails
Leader: All captains of criminal, Zionist, terrorist gang must be prosecuted
Iran further raises its oil prices for Chinese buyers: Report
Iran to launch major pressure-boosting projects in South Pars
VIDEO | Escalation amid ceasefire talks
EU's Borrell says ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders binding
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
