Fidesz MEP Balázs Hidvéghi said the Czech presidency’s focus on energy security gave reason to be optimistic, arguing that energy supply was not an ideological issue but rather a physical one.
The MEP said the EU’s primary responsibility is to protect European people, families and businesses. Hidvéghi also stressed the importance of preserving Europe’s diversity, saying it should be accepted that the EU is a cooperation of many member states. It must also be accepted that member states cannot be forced to do certain things and that they make decisions at their own pace, favouring a variety of solutions, he added. The MEP expressed support for Czechia’s position that both nuclear energy and natural gas should be considered environmentally friendly energy sources. If the EU wants to be environmentally conscious and reduce its CO2 emissions, natural gas and nuclear power will have to be part of its energy mix in the coming years, Hidvéghi said. Concerning the EU’s Article 7 procedure against Hungary, he said the Czech presidency’s approach was similar to Hungary’s, noting that Hungary was prepared for any negotiations and took part in the talks on the basis of mutual respect.
Photo credit: fidesz-eu.hu