Tag Archives: Gazprom

€5.5 billion for sustainable growth in Spain – European Commission

July 23, 2015 By in Austerity, Biology, Business Administration, Business Strategy, Defense Policy, Euro Crisis, Fiscal Policy, Foreign Policy, France, global warming, Greece, Israel, Italy, Natural gas, People, Politics, Science, Society, Southern Europe, Spain, Unemployment Tags: , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment
European flag outside the Commission

European flag outside the Commission (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is an interesting read from the European Commission.  Check it out!

via €5.5 billion for sustainable growth in Spain – European Commission.

Whilst I am delighted to see the European Commission investing €5.5 billion in Spain,  I’m not convinced of the wisdom of targeting sustainable growth. This seems a bit like chasing the holy grail?

Surely, there are more strategic programs that would reduce dependency on imported energy or would generate additional jobs for young people?

It looks to me like environmental considerations are given priority over economic growth and strategic considerations? Also why is Spain given priority over other countries?

For example, what about a gas pipeline linking the East Mediterranean gas fields in Israel and Cyprus to the European mainland in Greece?

Thoughts?

The Gazprom case: good timing or bad timing? | Simone Tagliapietra and Georg Zachmann at Bruegel.org

July 19, 2015 By in Business Administration, Energy Policy, Politics Tags: , , 1 Comment
Español: Gazprom logo

Español: Gazprom logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is an excellent article published by European think-tank Bruegel. Check it out!

via The Gazprom case: good timing or bad timing? | Simone Tagliapietra and Georg Zachmann at Bruegel.org.

It seems that Russian giant Gazprom charges different prices in different markets. There are also some unusual conditions too.

Anybody familiar with Russia will not be surprised that economics are tied to politics.

But in Europe, we have rules designed to protect the consumer. Unfortunately, it is questionable whether Europe can enforce the rules against Gazprom. Europe needs Russia’s gas.

Matters would be much better if Europe had a an energy strategy that combined with both foreign and defense policies. Unfortunately, the EU seems preoccupied with green issues rather than strategy. Also there’s a tendency for each country to look after their own energy interests.

It’s a shame that Europe does not invest in Cyprus‘ offshore gas industry and secure a steady and secure supply.

Thoughts?