Human Wrongs Watch
By Greenpeace*, June 2014 — The Ukraine crisis currently shows just how dependent Europe is, especially on Russian oil and gas. The EU spent a total of EUR 421 billion on energy imports in 2012.
A pictorial history with a cliffhanger ending
The place: somewhere in a rehab clinic: Europe was exhausted and recovering from its high of the last few years
The crisis with Russia over energy shows just how dependent Europe is on energy imports, especially on Russian oil and gas.
The EU spent a total of EUR 421 billion on energy imports in 2012.
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The greatest part of this was imports from Russia, adding up to roughly one third of total oil and gas imports, as well as large amounts of coal. Russian investors are even playing a role in planned new nuclear power plants.
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As a result, Europe is already flirting with the idea of shifting its dependence on new suppliers. But increasing reliance on the Middle East or North America is no long-term solution.
…when men in suits show up at the bedside
Europe’s largest power companies are gravely concerned by the current situation, as their business model is increasingly threatened.
