Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday requested the European Union to supply monetary support to Balkan nations amid the continued vitality disaster, exacerbated by the bloc’s sanctions on Moscow and a pointy discount in Russia’s fuel provides.
Talking in Sofia on the opening ceremony of the Greece-Bulgaria fuel pipeline, Vucic addressed on to the President of the European Fee, Ursula von der Leyen, as she was within the viewers.
“We’re grateful on your assist throughout this [Covid-19] Disaster, however so far as cash is anxious, we won’t cowl the price of fuel proper now. Please put our Balkan nations on the record together with EU nations.” Serbian President mentioned.
Talking in regards to the want for speedy diversification of vitality sources, Vucic emphasised the significance of the brand new pipeline, which might give Bulgaria and Romania in addition to his nation entry to fuel provides from Azerbaijan.
He insisted that nobody knew when the venture was launched. “How essential will this show to be.The president additionally expressed hope that subsequent yr his nation will be capable of launch the Bulgaria-Serbia interconnector.
Vucic is thought for his dismal predictions in regards to the vitality disaster. Though Serbia just isn’t a member state of the European Union, the nation’s vitality provide transits by way of these nations, which means the bloc’s sanctions on Russia immediately have an effect on it. Regardless of Serbia’s EU ambitions, Vucic is against sanctions on Moscow, and has made it clear that his nation will proceed to depend on vitality from Russia. In September, nevertheless, the Serbian president warned “too chilly” winter this yr and that the subsequent one “The entire of Europe shall be polar.”
Von der Leyen, who additionally spoke at Saturday’s ceremony, appeared extra optimistic. He known as the Greece-Bulgaria pipeline “A Recreation Changer” for Europe’s vitality safety, and that “It means freedom from dependence on Russian fuel.”
The top of the European Fee additionally assured that “Europe may have sufficient fuel for the winter.” This was made attainable, she mentioned, due to initiatives comparable to the brand new Greece-Bulgaria pipeline, and in addition thanks to assist from Norway, the US, Algeria and different nations.
Nonetheless, EU vitality officers take a more in-depth view of Vucic. On Friday, EU Vitality Commissioner Kadri Simsson warned that “It is not going to be a simple winter for us, and the subsequent winter shall be even tougher.”
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