Von der Leyen, goal no longer to depend on Moscow on gas

(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, FEBRUARY 23 - "Russia has exploited energy in recent months and years and we are truly determined not to be dependent on Russian gas anymore. This is a strategic investment for our independence".

This was stated by the president of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the alternation of the bilateral agreement with the Norwegian premier Jonas GahrStore.

"Norway is a reliable supplier of gas", added the number one of the European executive.

    "We will do our part" on the energy dossier, assured the premier, underlining that Oslo "shares" the Fitfor 55 path - measures to reduce emissions - initiated by the EU.

   "The pressure exerted by Moscow on gas was not only on Ukraine but also on the EU", underlined von der Leyens, explaining that Europe "has always been able to count" on Norway "being able to supply the necessary gas".

At the same time "we share that on the one hand gas is important but on the other hand we need to diversify sources. The way forward is clear for the EU: to reduce our dependence on gas and go towards renewables", added von der Leyen.

"The sharing of values ​​is the basis of our cooperation.

   We are following the Ukrainian crisis closely and have joined forces with those of our partners. With Europe we have integrated economies", added the Norwegian premier.

   "Our message to the EU today is not only about Norway's reliability on gas" but extends to "cooperation on hydrogen, latest generation batteries, ocean waves, all of these interesting industrial aspects. We can cut emissions and create jobs".

(HANDLE).