I would like the new US administration to integrate energy transition with energy independence; President Krzysztof Chziersky said on Monday that we need a good and serious dialogue with the US side and we are counting on that, referring to the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

On Monday evening, Cesherky was asked via Telewizja Republika what to expect in the context of building Nord Stream 2 from the new US administration.

I would like the new administration to incorporate two important goals, and as you can see, they may be important for the new administration to understand the concept of combining energy transition and energy independence.

– He said.

What should be done to avoid dependence on Russia?

According to him, it would be possible to “initiate a discussion” on energy sovereignty and on the principles of the new US administration, that is, on so-called green energy and climate protection, in line with the assumptions of a “fair transition.” Cchirsky noted that without an adequate combination of these two aspects of the energy transition, countries like Poland could become dependent on energy imports, including gas from Russia. In his opinion, while preserving this combination of the two energy conversion goals, it would be possible to achieve the effect that Poland aims to achieve.

This combination only gives us the effect that we are doing in Poland today, and let’s remember that we are transforming very profoundly the Polish energy sector, based on energy sovereignty at the same time. For this we also need an American partner, and I also want Europe to become independent from Russian gas

– He said.

Referring to the remark that “we do not need the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline for this”, Cesziersky emphasized that he would like the American policy to take into account both the climate goal and the political goal, “which he says you cannot rely on Russia, which is pursuing Today, domestic and foreign policy contradicts European democratic values. ” The presidential secretary expressed his conviction that it “can be combined” and “stick to each other” also with the “pro-democracy and pro-climate” policies of the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden.

When asked if there were indications from Washington that the so-called Chziersky response to new energy and sovereignty could be dealt with jointly by the new administration, he responded that “the first talks indicate that such a thinking is possible.” He pointed out that after the events of the Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, Washington’s stance towards Russia was “very critical.”

There is also a willingness to dialogue with Europe about this transition (in the field of energy) – which is simultaneously one that will build independence when it comes to European energy.

– He said. He summed up, “These signs are there, but it is important to put Poland in it correctly.”

That is why we need a good and serious dialogue with the American side. We are waiting for him, we are counting on him

– Szczerski confirmed.

Who opposes and supports building NS2?

Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states strongly oppose the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which runs from Russia to Germany along the bottom of the Baltic Sea. The project, with the exception of Germany, is being implemented with the support of Austria and many other European Union countries.

On January 21, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the European Union to “immediately cease” construction of Nord Stream 2 and impose new sanctions on Russia. The document was prepared in response to the arrest of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny. The decision is not binding.

On Monday, the French Minister of State for European Affairs, Clément Bonn, said that due to Navalny’s arrest and the repression of the protesters who are defending him, Germany should withdraw from the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Agence France-Presse reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on January 21 (January) Supports Nord Stream 2. Armin Laschet, the new president of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany, announced on Monday that he does not intend to review his support for the gas pipeline, despite opposition from the United States and some European countries.

JAH / PAP