EU and US will jointly stop attempts to circumvent sanctions
The European Union and the United States will oppose any attempt to destabilize global energy markets and circumvent sanctions.
This is stated in a joint statement based on the results of the Energy Council of the EU and the USA, Censor.NET reports with reference to RBC-Ukraine.
During the meeting in Brussels, EU and US representatives discussed the consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine for energy markets.
"Both sides confirmed their firm commitment to directly countering with adequate measures all efforts to further destabilize the global energy situation and circumvent sanctions," the joint statement said.
The Council once again strongly condemned Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, which has brought immense suffering and destruction to Ukraine and its people.
Russia's war also triggered a global food and energy security crisis, with soaring prices, market volatility and a disproportionate impact on developing countries and vulnerable populations, the document said.
"Russia's actions, in particular massive attacks on critical infrastructure facilities, have created an unprecedented burden on the security and functioning of Ukrainian energy systems, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," the statement said.
The Council confirmed that the future of Ukraine and Moldova and their citizens lies in the European Union, and will continue to support the further integration of Ukraine and Moldova with the EU.
"Following the successful synchronization of Ukraine and Moldova with the EU electricity grid, the Council intends to continue to support the rapid recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, and to support both Ukraine and Moldova in their long-term economic and clean energy transitions. The Council continues to support the integration of both countries with the EU in all energy sectors, including by accelerating the development of energy infrastructure and interconnections," the statement said.
The EU, its Member States and the US intend to continue providing emergency energy assistance to Ukraine through support forums established in 2022, including the G7+ Coordination Forum and the International Energy Advisory Council for Ukraine,
The Council condemned Russia's dangerous actions at Ukraine's Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and emphasized its full support for the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency to apply safeguards to assist Ukraine in its efforts to manage nuclear safety at its nuclear facilities, including its ongoing efforts to establish a nuclear safety and protection zone at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
"The EU and the US strongly urge Russia to withdraw its personnel and military equipment from the Zaporizhzhia NPP and return its full control to its rightful owner, Ukraine," the statement said.
The Council also intends to intensify cooperation to reduce dependence on Russia for nuclear materials and fuel cycle services and supports ongoing efforts by affected EU member states to diversify nuclear fuel supplies, as appropriate.
The tenth meeting of the EU-US Energy Council was chaired by EU Vice-President Josep Borrell, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
The EU-US Energy Council is the leading transatlantic coordination forum on strategic energy issues for policy exchange and coordination at the political and technical levels.
