EU unveils vast plan to merge 28 energy markets

Associated Press ^ | Feb 25, 2015 8:18 AM EST | Lorne Cook

[Olog-hai]

The European Union’s executive has unveiled a vast plan to boost coordination between the EU’s 28 national energy markets to wean Europe off unstable Russian gas supplies and provide cheaper energy for consumers.

European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič on Wednesday called it “undoubtedly the most ambitious energy project” since the inception of the EU over half a century ago. He believes that improving links across borders in Europe’s energy grid could save businesses and consumers up to €40 billion ($45.4 billion) a year.

A more energy-independent Europe will also increase the EU’s political options in eastern Europe. […]

“Our dependence on external energy resources has affected our ability to conduct an independent foreign policy,” warned the leader of the European Parliament’s liberal ALDE group, Guy Verhofstadt. …

[Olog-hai]

Verhofstadt selling out his own country again (Belgium). The EU’s definition of “independent foreign policy” is no truly independent foreign policy sovereignty for the member states, just like they had their fiscal sovereignty taken away from them.

[Paladin2]

Can’t they just build more windmills?

[Olog-hai]

You mean the central government?

[SunkenCiv]

Putin strikes again! Yeah! Vlad the Imploder ping.