“Algeria is using the gas pipeline and energy card as a means of political pressure in its relations with Europe and also to hide the difficulties it is currently experiencing internally in terms of the stability of its institutions. It believes it can reduce internal pressure in this way, but this is not the case,” said the Italian MEP, who was answering questions from the “Total Production EU” platform from the studios of the European Parliament, thereby putting into perspective the impact of the closure of the GME on Europe.
Mr. Cozzolino explained that “this decision has a minimal impact on Europe, but it is on the other hand unfavorable to Algerian citizens, because with less gas sales to Europe, there will automatically be less resources for Algeria and therefore a real impact on its growth, its economy, its citizens.”
In this context, the MEP raised the issue of Europe’s energy security, focusing in particular on clean energy and prohibiting the political exploitation of energy supplies.
“We need an international moratorium that prevents the use of energy sources as a means of political pressure,” he argued.
Mr. Cazzolino also welcomed the efforts made by Morocco in the production of green energy.
“Morocco is showing us the way forward with renewable energies (solar, wind and the promising potential of green hydrogen),” said the European parliamentarian.
Referring throughout his interview to Morocco as a model of governance, a haven of peace and a hub of growth, the Italian MEP did not fail to highlight the stabilizing role of the Kingdom in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
“Morocco is a haven of stability. In recent years, it has given us the example of a country in full growth with strong economic resilience and exemplary democratic alternation,” he said.
The last elections, he explained, “confirmed all this with a very high participation of the population, especially the young, which was the real characteristic of this election.”
“More than 3 million boys and girls participated in it and it brought about a total change, even in terms of political presence in the Moroccan parliament. We need this to happen in Algeria and Tunisia,” he said.
2024-08-28 20:06:28