In an interview with Polish Radio this morning, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski underlined the important of common energy policy.
The chief diplomat said that the European Union has the power to force providers to supply energy on market principles, not as bargaining tools.
Mr. Sikorski firmly stated that Poland gained the upper hand in an annexe written as part of the energy negotiations with Russia. As a result, the European Commission needs to receive Moscow's confirmation of the European Energy Charter.
The minister said that Poland wants to use its coal resources as a source of energy, although he would like to see new environmentally-friendly technologies coming into the sector.
On the subject of oil, Radek Sikorski said that the government doesn't foresee any problems with ideliveries. Oil is to come from two sources: the "Friendship" pipeline from Russia and from the Naftoport in the Baltic city of Gdansk.
Speaking on the Odessa-Brody pipeline in the Ukraine, the Minister said that it needs to become functional, but there needs to be an oil supplier first.
Commenting on the proposed Northern Pipeline, Sikorski said that is no point in building a pipeline on the Baltic seabed, as it would be more costly than the second arm of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline.
Speaking on diplomatic matters, Radoslaw Sikorski said that he will be closing down small and inactive diplomatic posts in Africa and Latin America so that more funds can be transferred to larger outposts in Europe. (jb)