UPDATE 1- Energy Security European Priority, Says Barroso

(Rewrites, adds context and comments)

The European Commission announced its new proposal to increase energy security in the Continent, based on diversification of supplies, investments in infrastructures and energy savings.

'The strategy also highlights the need to coordinate national energy policy decisions and the importance of speaking with one voice when negotiating with external partners. It builds on the progress already achieved since the gas crisis in 2009,' reads the note published on Wednesday.

The new strategy designed by the European Commission will be then discussed by EU Heads of State or Government at the European Council on 26-27 June. 

"The Commission has tabled a comprehensive strategy today which will be discussed by EU leaders in June. I count on their strong support, since increasing energy security is in all our interest. On energy security, Europe must speak and act as one," European Commission President José Manuel Barroso commented.

Green groups warned Europe that the debate about gas supplies and the standoff over Ukraine are sweeping the discussion about gas demand under the carpet. Food & Water Europe said on Tuesday that Brussels is taking decisions that are inconsistent with the real needs of the Continent.

‘The Energy Security Communication, adopted this morning by the European Commission, fails to articulate an ambitious, long-term strategy to reduce the EU’s growing import dependency – in particular for natural gas –, because the no-regret option of reducing energy demand is not at the core of this strategy. About 40% of the EU’s gas consumption is used to heat and cool buildings,’ reads a note released by Food & Water Europe. 

Food & Water Europe advocates increased attention to demand reduction, which is considered to be the only long-term option for the EU. The organization asks for investments in renovations of existing buildings, while maintaining a strong focus on renewables. 

“It is baffling that the European Commission prioritizes highly uncertain supplies of gas from autocratic regimes like Azerbaijan, LNG exports from the United States or large-scale fracking in the EU in a strategy that seeks to improve the reliability of gas supplies to the EU”, said Food & Water Europe Director Geert De Cock.