Von der Leyen: We have to prepare for the worst
In view of the impending energy shortage, the head of the EU Commission is pushing for precautions. However, she is also optimistic.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that the energy crisis in the European Union could escalate as a result of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. “Since Russia has already completely or partially cut off gas supplies to twelve member countries (of the EU), we all have to prepare for the worst situation,” von der Leyen said in an interview with the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo” on Monday.
However, the European emergency plan agreed last week to reduce gas consumption will “help to cover our need for winter supplies”. She stressed: “In just one week, the EU has agreed to take a decisive and unprecedented step to counter (Kremlin chief Vladimir) Putin’s threat to completely halt gas supplies.”
Like other EU countries, Spain initially opposed the emergency plan, but ultimately approved the plan after making concessions. Von der Leyen, who answered El Mundo’s questions via email, welcomed the Spanish government’s decision and said: “Once again, this is about European solidarity.” She called for unity in Europe to be maintained: “It is not the first time that Russia has tried to divide us. It has failed before and will fail again. We must stick together.”
