On May 10 (Moscow time), TASS news agency quoted Mr. Armando Mema, a member of the Free Alliance Party of Finland, as saying that the European Union (EU) needs to resume purchasing energy from Russia to avoid the risk of a prolonged energy crisis.
In a post on social network X, Mr. Mema said that whether or not there are sanctions, the EU still needs energy supplies from Russia. According to the Finnish politician, continuing to restrict this energy source could cause Europe more difficulties in supply and costs.
Whether sanctioned or not, the EU still needs energy from Russia. It would be wise for the EU to stop showing itself to be in a higher ethical position and buy more energy from Russia as the energy crisis continues," Mema wrote.
This statement was made as the EU continues to prepare new sanctions against Russia. Earlier, on April 28, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the EU's 21st package of sanctions against Russia is being built, with a focus on increasing pressure on the energy sector.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine erupts EU has repeatedly imposed sanctions on Russia, including measures related to oil, gas and many other economic sectors. European countries are also seeking to reduce dependence on Russia's energy supplies through imports from other partners and expanding renewable energy.
However, the energy issue is still controversial within Europe. Some countries that were heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas face higher energy costs, and at the same time need to ensure stable supply for industrial production and people's lives.
According to Mr. Mema's point of view, the EU should put real energy interests above political stance, especially when the energy crisis may directly affect businesses and consumers.
Currently, the EU has not announced the final content of the 21st sanctions package. Proposals related to Russia's energy sector still need to be discussed and agreed upon by member countries before taking effect.
