Europe: Way forward after European Parliament elections

Charles Grant of the CER comments that in order to maximize Europe’s leverage vis-à-vis Russia, the Commission should work with the European External Action Service and the key member-states to herd the member states towards a coherent approach. Charles Grant, director of the prestigious think tank Centre for European Reform comments that in order to maximize Europe’s leverage vis-à-vis Russia, the Commission should work with the European External Action Service and the key member-states to herd the member states towards a coherent approach.

In this respect, it is also vital that the Commission should formulate ideas for improving the EU’s energy security – including boosting energy efficiency, accessing alternative energy sources, building gas and electricity connections between member-states and coordinating the member-states’ negotiation of gas contracts with third parties – but will need drive and determination to persuade national governments to adopt them.