Ms Kadri Simson:

I agree that, after the war ends and Ukraine prevails, we should not return to Europe being so dependent on imported fossil fuels. We still are, with 97% of our oil consumption made up by imports and 90% of our gas coming from third countries. If we deliver our REPowerEU plan, we will partially replace fossil fuels with renewables this year and next. We must do our utmost to achieve our 2030 targets so that 45% of our consumption is covered by renewables, which are home grown and we are not dependent on volatile prices and so on for them.

As to where we will get the necessary equipment, European companies still hold the global leadership in offshore wind technology. The wind turbines are produced in Europe and the vessels necessary to install bottom-fixed turbines offshore are at our disposal. This gives us a competitive advantage. Our offshore targets are significantly higher than anyone else's. If we are talking about 65 GW in the North Sea, it is a significantly higher ambition than is envisaged for all of the US. When we presented out offshore energy strategy, we also claimed that it wold create jobs, not only in coastal regions where the maintenance of wind farms would offer job opportunities for coastal towns all year around, but also in landlocked countries, given that blades and other components can be produced in Europe. For regions that will lose mining jobs, for example, we have offered additional financing via our just transition mechanism so that they can attract new, clean industrial job opportunities.

Regarding solar PV, the greatest challenge is to secure the necessary components - rare earth minerals. We are preparing our strategy to secure those, but an important role will be played by the circular economy. There are already many panels. If they are ageing, we should make the best use of existing materials. We will promote that.