Mr. Chrisis Pantelidis, Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs and the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Trade, Industry and Tourism, participated in the proceedings of the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on the challenges and opportunities for the future energy supply of the European Union (EU), organised by the Swedish Parliament, in the context of the parliamentary dimension of the current six-month Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
During the discussion on security of energy supply and challenges in energy markets in the light of the current global situation, Mr Pantelides pointed out that the exploitation of both natural gas and renewable energy sources in the Eastern Mediterranean region can make a decisive contribution to addressing the challenges to the Union's energy security. The Cypriot MEP referred in particular to the importance of regional cooperation in the energy sector and to important projects being developed or under study, including the de-gasification plant, the EuroAsia Interconnector, the EastMed pipeline, with benefits for both the region and the EU. Therefore, Pantelides underlined, the growing role of Cyprus for European energy security, as a potential supplier of natural gas and as a hub of secure and reliable networks, is undeniable.
In addition, in the context of the discussion on sustainable development, research and innovation to address the EU's energy challenges, Mr Pantelides underlined the importance that Cyprus attaches to the development of energy storage technologies and infrastructure, so that the country can make maximum use of solar energy on the island. The maximum utilisation of solar energy, Pantelides noted, is the optimal and final solution, not only for the domestic energy demand, but also for the energy needs of the rest of Europe.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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