Germany says EU must end dependence on Russian oil and gas

BERLIN (AA) - European countries must end their dependence on Russian oil and gas, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a news conference in Prague with her Czech counterpart, Baerbock argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using energy as a weapon in a hybrid war on Ukraine and the West.

“Therefore, it’s very important for us to end dependence on Russian fossil fuel imports,” she said, adding that the EU member states will continue to take steps towards that goal, maintain their unity and determination.

Baerbock also welcomed an agreement reached by EU energy ministers to reduce gas use across the bloc, in order to prepare for possible disruptions of gas supplies this winter.

“In this way we underscore our unity, demonstrate that we will not be divided,” she stressed.

Member states agreed to reduce their gas demand by 15% compared to their average consumption in the past five years, between Aug. 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.