Europe’s energy independence is a direct condition for its defense capability, economic stability and citizens’ security. To strengthen these positions, European countries need to increase their own energy production, revise climate and regulatory approaches, and support oil and gas production along with the development of reliable generation.
Norwegian politician Tor Mikkel Wara said this in an interview with Guildhall.
— What steps can Europe take to achieve energy independence?
— Energy independence is very good, but energy sufficiency is no less important, because it allows society to provide its citizens with security and well-being. To achieve this, Europe does not simply need to import less energy — it needs to produce more, much more than it does today.
There is an obvious conflict here between the goal of reducing climate emissions and the goal of achieving energy abundance. In recent decades, priority has been given to climate policy. Unfortunately, the climate and environmental movements in Europe have too actively contributed to the closure of its own energy capacities, whether it be oil and gas production in the Netherlands and the North Sea or the closure of nuclear power plants in Germany.
If Europe really wants to achieve energy abundance and independence, this priority needs to be reviewed. European policymakers should pay more attention to energy and less to environmental restrictions than has been the case so far.
— What changes in energy priorities should the European Union and its member states make in the coming years to strengthen energy independence?
— Europe should shift or at least adjust its priorities from focusing on the environment and especially climate to improving the quality of life and safety of its own citizens.
As part of climate policy, it is necessary to abolish all supply-side restrictions. Ursula von der Leyen’s recent words about admitting that the closure of German nuclear power plants was a very correct and important signal.
— How do you assess the idea of increasing domestic oil and gas production in Western countries, especially in terms of its potential impact on defense capabilities?
— This is a great idea. Even if increased competition may have a negative impact on Norway’s export earnings, we would like to see an increase in oil and gas production in other Western countries, primarily in Europe. This will contribute to the strengthening of both well-being and security.
It is well known that it is impossible to maintain a modern national defense system — with aviation, navy and ground logistics — without large amounts of cheap and easily stored energy. In this area, fossil fuels do not yet have any convincing alternative.
For its part, Norway has large unexplored areas in its own waters, in particular in the Barents Sea. From time to time, Brussels sends signals that EU politicians would not like Norway to explore these waters. This is certainly regrettable.
Exclusive to Guildhall
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