Turkish Weekly: Hasan Selim Özertem: 'Russia is trying as much as possible to keep the European market in its back pocket'

An interview was held with Hasan Selim Özertem, Head of USAK Center for Energy Security Studies in order to discuss the EU and Russia energy policies in the light of current affairs. Özertem evaluated the role of Turkey in the EU’s energy security.

Looking at the European Union’s energy policies, which energy resources does the Union use and what are the criticisms of the Union on this issue?

The Union has serious plans to achieve major objectives by 2020 and 2030. The most crucial of the 2020 targets are the drawing back of carbon emissions by 20 percent, increasing energy efficiency by 20 percent and reducing energy consumption by 20 percent. To achieve these goals, member states are trying to pursue policies that build a competitive market, provide security of energy supplies and promote more conservationism through the effective use of renewable energy.
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