EU, US to reduce Europe's energy dependence on Russia

Brussels, April 2 (IANS/EFE) The European Union and US officials plan to meet this week to discuss ways of reducing Europe's energy dependence on Russia.

Officials participating in Tuesday's EU-US Energy Council meeting will look at ways of implementing the suggestion made by President Barack Obama that the US export natural gas to Europe.

The council, created before the crisis in Ukraine, will examine the steps that can be taken to boost cooperation and promote energy security.

The European Union will be represented by its top diplomat, Catherine Ashton, and the commissioner for energy, Günther Oettinger, while the United States will be represented by Secretary of State John Kerry and Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman.

The EU and the US are expected to sign a joint declaration following the council's meeting.

The goal of diversifying Europe's mix of gas suppliers has gained importance in light of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia over Crimea.

The European Union currently receives 30 percent of its imported natural gas from Russia, with the majority of the fuel being transported by the pipeline that crosses Ukraine.

Norway supplies 28 percent of the EU's imported natural gas, while Algeria provides 13 percent and Qatar supplies 11 percent.

--IANS/EFE

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