Construction of the EastMed pipeline
28.2.2022
Question for written answer E-000820/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Eva Kaili (S&D)
The recent Russian attack on Ukraine and the deterioration of the economic and political relations between the western world and Russia is another reminder that the EU must pool all its efforts to diversify its energy supply and reduce its dependence on one gas and oil supplier. The EastMed pipeline is set to be one of the longest and deepest underwater pipelines in the world and would connect the recently discovered Leviathan[1] (Israel) and Aphrodite[2] (Cyprus) gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean to Europe. It would be able to carry around 10-12 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year, which is estimated would cover about 10 % of Europe’s supply. Recently the USA, previously a firm backer of the project, withdrew its support stating that it was shifting its focus to electricity interconnectors that can support both gas and renewable energy sources.
However, given the volatile state of international affairs and of the energy market that is being developed:
- 1.Is the Commission considering political and financial support for the revival of the EastMed project as a strategic move towards energy independence from Russian gas imports, given that it has also been included in the fifth list of projects of common interest?
- 2.Is the Commission considering an indicative timeframe for its construction?