The minister believes that the interconnections between member states “should be European policy to achieve the objectives”
The new alternative that Germany is proposing to reduce its heavy dependence on Russian gas is going through Spain and France, with a new gas pipeline that will connect the peninsula to Central Europe via the Pyrenees. A project that has been on the table for “decades”, but which had always been opposed by France.
For this reason, the third vice president and minister for the ecological transition, Teresa Ribera, is now asking the European Commission to have its “maximum involvement” in this project, despite the doubts of its French neighbours. “The interconnections between member states are not just a matter of each country, but of European policies, because the achievement of common goals depends on it,” Ribera told media on Wednesday.
The minister recalled that France is currently demanding energy from its neighbors and that in order to build Europe, a “common energy policy” and infrastructure plan must be implemented at this time in accordance with the situation.
Last week, Ribera had already spoken out in favor of starting this project which, in his opinion, should have financing from Brussels, as it is a “European project” to tackle the energy problem that the EU has after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Currently, the only gas connection Spain has with France is a double gas pipeline that runs under the western part of the Pyrenees, one in Irún and the other in the Navarrese Pyrenees. Together they can export barely 8,000 million cubic meters per year.
The Midcat project, which runs through Catalonia and ends in Girona, was expected to double this shipment volume, but was crippled in 2019 after investing €440 million in it due to its high cost and decision to focus on renewables. However, since the outbreak of the war, negotiations have resumed and Spain has asked the EU to help finance the construction of the just over 200 kilometers between Hostalric (Girona) and the French city of Barbaira.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
