EU Commission president calls for faster repairs to Druzhba pipeline during Kyiv visit
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged for expedited repairs to the Druzhba pipeline after it was damaged by Russian strikes, impacting EU energy security.
During her visit to Kyiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the recent Russian strikes on the Ukrainian city of Brody which specifically damaged the Druzhba oil pipeline. Von der Leyen emphasized that the strikes pose a significant threat to the energy security of the European Union. Following the attacks, she called for immediate repairs to ensure the pipeline can resume operations as quickly as possible.
Von der Leyen's statements underline the urgency of the situation, as the damage to the Druzhba pipeline has resulted in a halt of Russian oil supplies, prompting emergency declarations in Slovakia and Hungary. The European Commission has been working on strategies to counteract the impact of these strikes on the energy markets within the EU, showcasing the implications of the ongoing conflict on energy politics in Europe. Additionally, the situation has sparked discussions concerning alternative oil supplies to neighboring countries.
In her visit, Von der Leyen also acknowledged the efforts of Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who proposed alternative routes for supplying oil to Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia through the Trans Adriatic pipeline. This highlights the collaborative efforts within the EU to devise solutions to the disruption caused by the Russian attacks, reflecting increased emphasis on energy independence and security among member states as the situation evolves.