EU, US: Energy should not be used as political tool

Energy should not be used as a political tool, the EU-US Energy Council said here Wednesday.
Chaired by EU High Representative Federica MogherinI and US Secretary of State John Kerry, the Council said in a statement after the conclusion of its sixth session that current state of global energy markets were discussed.
The Council agreed on the importance of countries phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. The Council said it will continue to support ongoing efforts towards rules-based and inclusive energy markets.
The Council recognised the growing potential of the new gas resources in the Black Sea, North Africa, and Eastern Mediterranean for the energy security of the EU and the wider region.
It also discussed opportunities for cooperation in promoting sustainable energy in other parts of the world, including mobilising the necessary long-term investments.
The Council reiterated the resolve of the EU and the United States to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in their support for Ukraine's new government, and underlined the necessity of continuing the reforms in Ukraine's energy sector.
The Council welcomed the goal of the EU to build an Energy Union aiming at affordable, secure and sustainable energy.
The Energy Council, a forum on EU-US energy priorities, promotes transparent and secure global energy markets, fosters policy and regulatory cooperation on efficient and sustainable energy use, and pursues joint research and development on clean energy technologies.