Cyprus supports regulation for trans-European energy infrastructure

The Council session, which took place in Brussels, was chaired by Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Waldemar Pawlak. Cyprus was represented by Commerce, Industry and tourism Minister Praxoula Antoniadou Kyriakou.

The Minister briefed her counterparts on developments regarding the exploration of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, as well as the measures taken to handle the energy crisis following the destruction of the island’s main power plant last July.

On the draft regulation, in her intervention, Antoniadou welcomed the regulation which is intended to overhaul the trans-European energy networks (TENE) policy and financing framework in order to improve it and adapt it to the current challenges facing the energy sector and to the general EU energy policy goals.

She said Cyprus welcomes the regulation as regards to the projects which will contribute to some member states’ energy isolation, including Cyprus. She made special reference to recent statements by Energy Commissioner on this issue, noting the need to determine the infrastructure will take these countries into account.

She also said that Cyprus welcomes the proposals for natural gas corridors to strengthen the European energy security, linking Europe with new resources. The minister suggested that the South Corridor Natural Gas Transportation could take into consideration Cyprus, if natural gas reserves are found.