‘Is that fair?’ - Putin challenges EU over green energy demands on developing nations
Key Takeaways
- The Russian president questions the fairness of asking developing countries to abandon hydrocarbons.
- Putin raises questions about access to investment and technology needed for the energy transition.
- Gas-exporting nations meet in Moscow to discuss energy markets, natural gas development and cooperation.
The Russian president questions why developing countries should abandon fossil fuels when Europe's economic development was built on coal and hydrocarbons.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has questioned the European Union's push for developing countries to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, arguing that Europe built much of its economic strength using the same energy resources.
Speaking at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Summit in Moscow on Tuesday, Putin called for fairness in the global transition towards cleaner energy.
He argued that developing nations should not be discouraged from using hydrocarbons without considering their economic needs and access to investment and technology.
"Of course, this transition to a fully green agenda must be fair. How could it be otherwise? Today's European Union was built as a union of coal and steel, we all remember that. It was on coal and hydrocarbons that the economy of today's Europe was built up. And now, having reached a certain level of development, our colleagues in Europe are telling other countries, primarily developing ones, that they must not use hydrocarbons. But why should they be denied that? What are they supposed to do? Where are they to get the investment, where are they to get the technology? Is that fair?" Putin said.
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His remarks focused on the challenges facing developing economies as countries seek to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The Russian leader questioned how poorer nations could finance their development and obtain the technology needed for an energy transition if they were expected to move away from hydrocarbons.
Putin made the comments during the GECF Summit, scheduled for October 27, which brought together leaders from major gas-exporting nations to discuss international energy markets, natural gas development and cooperation among producers.
Established in 2001, the GECF comprises 12 member countries: Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
Since 2011, the organisation has held summits every two years to discuss the role of natural gas in the global economy.
Its activities also include monitoring and forecasting gas market developments, exchanging expertise and encouraging technological cooperation among member states.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
