EU - Russia bad deal

I agree with US President Trump when he condemns Europe and approves sanctions against companies for Europe's gas deal with Russia as we become indeed too dependent from Russia. Two main reasons why I think this is a bad deal: climate change and Russia's bad influence in the world that needs funding. But, I also understand it is against the USA's fossil fuel trade with Europe.


Wrong energy

Europe, always telling others they need to take climate change serious because it will be bad for (Europe's) economy while it seems Europe doesn't mind poor regions remain poor. Europe condemns Brazil and other countries when they burn and destroy their forests to use the land to culture food that is exported to Europe. Europe also uses hard wood that come from forests. And yes, land is also used to build cities for growing populations. But, also Europe continues to destroy its few forests instead of replacing derelict buildings. Europe also asks developing nations at climate conferences to take actions against climate change while it tells its protesting children enough is done and they should remain silent at school. But, instead of becoming less fossil fuel dependent by investing $11bn in sustainable energy, the money is spent on a deal with Russia to import its fossil fuels.

Wrong politics

And thus we will become more dependent on Russia although we know it supports wrong leaders. The USA, both Republicans and Democrats, warn Europe and agree with sanctions against companies who help to build the pipeline when the deal goes ahead. Indeed, Russia is involved in protecting Syria's monster Assad who can continue to remain in power because his army is helped by Russia's to defeat rebels and this at whatever cost; remember, many rebels fight because they want to get rid of a terrible dictator. This conflict also results in refugees who flee the violence in their country and hope to find protection in Europe that closes its borders while condemns impoverished Greece when Greece complains the situation becomes untenable; the EU also promised billions of euros to Turkey to keep migrants outside Europe although it seems Turkey is not happy because Europe doesn't seem to honour its side of the deal.

Another example, Europe condemns Russia's influence in Ukraine and its annexation of the Crimea and this is Europe's good right although we would have done the same if our military base may be taken over by a hostile country; America's military base in Cuba demonstrates this. Personally I think that when one part of Ukraine wants to join Russia than a referendum may be a solution instead of war to keep the country together and so increase hate between Ukrainians. And more worrying stories about Russian policies are known.

Bad deal

Thus, when Russia exports fossil fuels to Europe, President Trump and many Democrats and Republicans are right when they say that Europe will become even more energy dependent from Russia. Compare with President Trump who wants collaboration with Russia unless it misbehaves and already he had a few conflicts. And thus, as we know from the past, Russia may close the pipeline that transport gas to Germany when we criticise it over Syria, Ukraine and other conflicts where Russia is involved. And, as history thought Germany, Germany should not have the arrogance to think it controls the situation as it doesn't.

And thus now Europe criticises the USA when the president and Congress criticise the EU-Russia fossil fuel deal. But when Russia may indeed force Europe in accepting its actions in the world or lose its energy supply than we may ask the USA for (military) help, even when President Trump warns Europe to invest more in its own defenses or at least contribute more to the NATO; another possibility is that Europe could at least buy USA's fossil fuels when it wants to continue to burn gas or Europe shouldn't expect USA's help when needed. 

Indeed, I think this fossil fuel deal between the EU and Russia is wrong and Europe knows this as it was heavily divided before a deal was reached because we will become dependent on Russia's fossil fuels instead of investing in an economy that is more sustainable and thus less dependent upon other countries. In addition, Europe loses its moral leadership to tell other and mostly poorer countries they should invest in clean energies, protect their nature while avoid bad deals with Russia. Indeed, I think America's President Trump and Congress are right when they call this a bad deal. President Putin demonstrated before he's not trustworthy.

Yes, I agree that the USA can impose sanctions when they consider this deal is bad, not only for Europe but for the USA-Europe relationship. And thus it is up to Europe to decide to continue its fossil fuel deal with Russia or not although I fear Europe has no other option or it will anger Russia. Countries should be able to decide with whom they can have deals and what the conditions are to have a deal. And so the EU may join Russia against the USA. If this deal is treacherous and goes wrong, should the USA again liberate Europe by sacrificing its soldiers or don't bother?

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