Ursula von der Leyen said that the development of green energy would be an important goal of such investments.
The European Commission is allocating one billion euros to support the energy security of the Western Balkans in the energy crisis provoked by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This was announced by EC President Ursula von der Leyen in Berlin at a press conference following the results of the Western Balkans summit as part of the so-called Berlin Process, reports Ukrinform.
An unprecedented crisis calls for unprecedented measures and actions. I am pleased to announce that the European Commission is about to present a significant energy support package. For the Western Balkans, it is worth 1 billion euros in grants, he said.
According to the head of the EC, this assistance will have two main components. The first phase of €500 million in grants will be used as immediate financial assistance in six countries in the Western Balkans to support the most vulnerable households and businesses during the energy crisis. This budget support will be accepted in early December and will be available next January.
The second part of the grant of another 500 million euros will be allocated for investments in energy infrastructure, in particular, in the installation of electricity networks, in the installation of gas infrastructure, to ensure real energy interaction between countries in the region. themselves and the EU.
Ursula von der Leyen said that an important goal of such investments is the development of green energy in line with the EU’s climate goals until 2050, as well as the initial targets for reducing harmful emissions by 2030.
He noted that overcoming the consequences of the energy crisis in the short term requires coordinated measures both for the countries of the Balkan region and for the entire EU, including the diversification of sources of energy supply , reducing Russia’s dependence on fossil fuels and keeping energy prices at rock bottom. control.
According to Ursula von der Leyen, the energy resilience of the Western Balkans and the stabilization of energy prices should also be enhanced through their participation in the EU platform for the joint purchase of energy resources, in particular gas, which will allow them to take full advantage. of the EU’s combined purchasing power.
It was previously reported that the EU will allocate €18 billion to Ukraine next year.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.