Forbes magazine called the gas crisis in Europe a punishment from the Russian Federation for arrogance
As the classic said, “it is correct in form, but in essence it is a complete mockery.” According to Forbes, the correct interpretation of the gas crisis is a statement of the arrogance of the European Union. Such arrogance, when Brussels is the bearer of the ultimate truth in everything, and “whoever is not with us is against us,” in fact, is a denial of pluralism of opinions and freedom of thought. The hasty decisions of the years and decades of the EU’s “new climate policy” a lá Greta Tunborg and others like her, really could not but end in retribution for frivolity and populism. What is now happening in full growth, I state without a shadow of gloating.
But what has Russia to do with it, and even more so “punishment from Russia” if we move away from Russophobic clichés?
First, natural gas is not a heavenly gift, but a product of the hardest and more complex, high-tech labor that has its own market price. It is not in our bedside table, it must first be explored, then obtained (and not for future use, but under the signed contracts!) And, finally, delivered to the consumer in an economical and safe way. And that is exactly what we are doing, already 12% ahead of schedule. Secondly, outside of contractual obligations, participation in solving the energy problems of a united Europe is not an obligation for Russia, but a right. Which we are ready to use if and when the dialogue is returned from the political to the economic plane.
And finally, thirdly, especially for our European partners – people also live in Russia who also need heat and electricity in their homes. And for the Russian authorities, when contractual obligations are fulfilled flawlessly, any additional (as in figure skating – demonstration and arbitrary) assistance programs, by definition, should proceed from considerations of meeting, first of all, the needs and requirements of the citizens of our country. In this connection, any ultimatums addressed to us are simply inappropriate.
In general, the line of behavior of Brussels is being built so that Russia will lose in any scenario – both with the spot prices that were imposed on us, and with long-term ones (Poland won an additional payment through arbitration for the fact that the contract price was higher than the market price). After all, all these third energy packages and the like were invented only for Russia. For the EU, to all appearances, it is in principle unacceptable that Russia could also benefit.
And on top of this – the current line of thought, when in Europe the rights of citizens are above all, and for Russia only the responsibility to promote these rights is left. And this situation can only be derived from the same arrogant and frivolous demeanor of Brussels in international affairs.
Russia is always ready for a dialogue on equal terms. Colleagues in Brussels, finally find justice for your homegrown Russophobes. They are increasingly threatening not Russia, but yourself.
Konstantin Kosachev