The European Union has to act in such a way that will send Turkey the message that actions placing obstacles to the EU’s efforts to end energy dependence on Russia cannot be accepted, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said in his intervention during the discussion on energy that took place in the informal European Council in Prague, according to Government Spokesperson Marios Pelekanos.
Pelekanos was referring in statements to the media, to what President Anastasiades said about the role that Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean can play towards ending the EU’s energy dependency in Russia, a presidency press release says.
President Anastasiades also pointed to acts with which Turkey undermines sanctions imposed by the EU, the Spokesperson added.
The intervention took place during a discussion on energy, which focused on security of supply, measures towards the reduction of demand, as well as proposals to limit the increase of energy prices, which include the various proposal discussed for price gaps on natural gas.
Pelekanos said that the leaders of the 27 member states discussed the need for continued economic, military and other support to Ukraine, as well as the issue of energy supply security for EU member states ahead of the upcoming winter, and how the issue of energy can be tackled in a way that reduces the challenges faced by households and businesses due to increased prices.
The Spokesperson added that the 27 also discussed possible solutions to the issue of high prices and inflationary pressures, as well as proposals to support the job market and protect vulnerable sections of the population.
In this context, President Anastasiades presented the proposals and positions put forward by Cyprus, and stressed the role that the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus can play in fulfilling the EU’s aim to end its dependence on Russian energy, the government spokesperson explained in his statement.
Anastasiades also made reference to “continued and increased Turkish provocations which are an obstacle also for the implementation of European goal for the end of dependence on Russian energy, and, of course, made reference to Turkey’s continued stance which undermines sanctions applied by the EU,” Pelekanos said.
President Anastasiades “stressed the need that the EU act in such a way that will send a clear message that this behaviour by Turkey cannot be accepted,” according to the Spokesperson.
Source: Cyprus News Agency