Europe's biggest challenge is to find a replacement for Russian oil and gas

Interview by Nikodem Chinowski from Strasbourg 

The main topic for today's agenda is Russian aggression toward Ukraine. It's been a year since the war broke out, Russian aggression is still the most important topic for the "collective West," and Ukraine has not been left alone…

We are here in the epicenter of European Union politics, and our decisions are all directed at ensuring that Ukraine can finally win the war. What is clear for most of us here in the European Parliament is that it is not a Ukrainian war. It is instead a war in the center of Europe. It's about our democracy, our freedom, and an international set of rules. So, if we do not make sure that Ukraine succeeds, the whole continent will fail. And I believe most people in the West understand this fact. That's why we are sending financial and military aid. That's why Poland and other EU members are helping Ukrainian refugees so much, and that's why we need to send more equipment and weapons. 

I am glad that the general approach in Europe to Ukraine is still very positive. We can see a vast solidarity between politicians and regular citizens. For example, recently, I was back in my hometown – a small town in Lower Saxony, Germany – and I spoke with several ordinary people. They all assured me they want to support Ukraine as long as it is needed.

What are the main challenges for European economies, including Poland, regarding the instability caused by the war in Ukraine?

The Russian war in Ukraine has revealed Europe's obvious vulnerabilities. Dependence on Russian resources and the Russian market was liable to abuse by the autocratic regime in the Kremlin. But, at the same time, we have also seen how united and decisively Europe can act in times of crisis. This has made me hopeful that we can successfully overcome these challenges if we work together.

The biggest challenge now is to completely replace Russian gas and oil in the short term and move Europe to entirely green energy in the medium and long term. And do all of this without inflicting damage to our economies, especially since growth has been minimal and many of our citizens are under the pressure of inflation. So far, Europe and its economy have demonstrated considerable resilience—contrary to Putin's hopes and expectations. For example, the German economy grew moderately in 2022, and the Polish economy grew by up to 4%. Yet, inflation remains a challenge that we need to tame in 2023.

So if we decided to find a replacement for Russian commodities, would there be no way back to business as usual with the Russians? What should be the future approach to doing business with them again?

Russia has committed countless atrocities with a brutality not seen since the end of World War II. Ukraine, Europe, and the world should not forget it. There can be no "business as usual" with Russia while a murderous regime runs it. And as long as they do not offer proper atonement and compensation. Russia has to take full responsibility for its crimes and redeem itself. Only when they do that can we start talking about re-admitting Russia back to the civilized world.

Is there a risk of possible future inflow, a so-called 3rd wave, of Ukrainian refugees to Europe?

Clearly, Putin is doing everything he can to force more Ukrainian civilians to leave their homes and seek refuge in the EU states. Putin is betting on a lack of patience and tolerance among Europeans. He is dead wrong again. Poland, Germany, and many other countries are harboring over 6 million Ukrainian refugees who have been exemplary in complying with the recipient country's laws and showing gratitude. That being said, we need to support Ukraine more, especially with heavy weapons such as Western tanks – Leopards, Challengers, AMX-10s, and Abrams – as well as anti-missile systems so that Ukrainians have the choice to stay in their homes and contribute to the strengthening of their country from the inside.

What about the switch to internal, European-only chains of delivery and production, with no imports from China or Russia?

First, COVID and now the Russian war in Ukraine have demonstrated that dependency on autocratic states is hazardous. We, as Europeans, need to be more self-sufficient regarding energy or critical technology. We have to implement all the steps of a circular economy.

Europe has one of the most technologically advanced societies, and we can utilize this potential to become the leading force in green and technological transition. Instead of outsourcing our industries abroad, we can start more ecological, ethical production in Poland, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and the other European states. However, this will require good coordination among the member states and better incentives for critical industries.

And the final question: in which aspects could Europe – as a community or as a union – be stronger after this war?

Being threatened by an authoritarian regime has been a challenge for us. We need to defend our European values and achievements with everything we have, not only militarily. We also need to fight against misinformation or corruption. Over the last year, Europeans have become more aware that it is not simply a military issue. But beyond that, we must protect democracy, the free media, and our citizens' freedom.