BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 22. Energy independence
and diversification are a strategic imperative for the European
Union, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the EU to
Kazakhstan Johannes Baur at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 in
Astana, Trend
reports.
“The European Union can no longer afford to be exposed to the
volatility of global fossil fuel markets. Energy independence and
diversification is the way forward for the EU and a strategic
imperative — both economically and from a security point of view,
not only for the climate. Therefore, we will increase our efforts
to promote clean energy, electrification, modernized
interconnections, and energy efficiency,” he said.
He noted that the planet continues to warm, with Europe heating
up twice as fast as the rest of the world, while Central Asia also
faces serious climate-related challenges.
“This means more economic damage, more wildfires, floods, and
other adverse effects for societies. Without urgent action by 2030,
the world could face a 40% global water deficit, with Central Asia
among the most vulnerable regions. Therefore, despite all
geopolitical crises, we cannot afford to neglect climate
challenges,” Baur said.
He added that the water-energy nexus is of key importance for
Central Asia.
“The hydropower potential of upstream countries, as well as
solar and wind energy in downstream countries, are complementary
and can be used to reduce emissions for the benefit of all
countries in the region,” he said.
