EU safeguards energy security against disruption

Outgoing European Council President Herman Van Rompuy (front 4th R) poses for a family photo with relatives and European leaders during an EU summit in Brussels October 23, 2014. European leaders aim to agree a new decade of energy policy to cut climate-warming gas emissions to 2030 at an EU summit on Thursday, but sharp differences over sharing the cost mean a deal will be difficult. [Photo/Agencies]

European leaders have agreed a tougher course of action in response to growing challenges of energy security and a possible major disruption in energy supply this winter amid the ongoing dispute between Russia and EU.

The EU will reduce its energy dependence and increase energy security for both electricity and gas. It also said moderating energy demand through enhanced efficiency will contribute to the objective.

The European Council said it has taken note of a report on energy security and welcomed immediate action to increase the EU's resilience to possible major disruptions.

"This report provides a complete picture of the robustness of Europe's energy system (stress test exercise). In this context, the European Council welcomed the contributions from all member states, key energy players, as well as neighboring countries and partners," according to a news release.

Leaders said the EU's energy security can be increased by having recourse to indigenous resources as well as safe and sustainable low carbon technologies.

Due to the Brussels-Moscow conflict over Ukraine, concerns have emerged that Moscow may consider reducing or stopping the supply of gas to European countries if the sanctions and anti-sanctions are escalated.

fujing@chinadaily.com.cn