Speaking at a workshop of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in New Delhi (India) on the impact of the climate crisis, Ursula van der Leyen said, “Investment protection policy in Europe, even considering the high use of renewable energy.
“There is a second reason why switching to clean energy is so important these days. Of course, I am referring to the war that Russia has unleashed in Ukraine. It is a clear reminder that for us Europeans, Russia’s dependence on fossil fuels is not sustainable.
The head of the European Commission pointed to the conflict in Ukraine at a time when India was increasing its energy supply from Moscow and India was not distancing itself from its regular relations with Russia – the main supplier of military supplies to India. Was one of the issues to be discussed during his two-day official visit.
“How can you negotiate with someone who is openly threatening Europe and going to war with its closest neighbors?” Van der Leyen referred to Europe’s position, without directly mentioning India’s relations with India.
Following New Delhi’s decision not to condemn Russia’s occupation of Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly (UN), the Commission’s visit comes amid a series of senior delegations from the international community to India.
Despite international sanctions, India has called for no politicization of crude oil purchases from Russia because Delhi “must continue to focus on competitive energy sources” because, unlike other countries, it must import 85% of its oil. uses.
However, Ursula van der Leyen was ready to help India increase energy production from renewable sources in a bid to strengthen diplomatic relations with New Delhi.
“Both India and the European Union know that solar energy plays a decisive role, so the need for clean energy has never been more obvious than it is today. And people in India are suffering from severe weather; I read that March is the hottest month in 122 years and I can tell you that we have the same experience in the EU, ”he said.
The European Union (EU) has pledged to reduce its emissions by 2050, with India set a target of 2070 by 2070 alone.
“We have similar goals, so we know how difficult it is to get there, but we must be ambitious in these times to show what will happen if we do not act against climate change every day,” he added.
Van der Leyne meets Indian Foreign Minister Subramaniam Jaisankar and Prime Minister Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi on Monday.
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