Following reports of US reservations on the financial and environmental sustainability of the EastMed pipeline project, a State Department spokesman reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the 3 + 1 regional union scheme (Cyprus, Greece, Israel plus the US), while stressing that European energy independence is a key issue for national security, writes the Greek newspaper Kathimerini.
"At a time when Europe's energy security is - more than ever - a matter of national security, we are committed to deepening our regional relations and promoting clean energy technologies," the spokesman said in response to a question from Greek media.
"The United States continues to strongly support regional efforts to improve and promote cooperation and regional stability, including the 3 + 1 mechanism, which involves the Republic of Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States," he said.
"We remain committed to the physical connection of Eastern Mediterranean energy to Europe," the spokesman said, adding that the United States was shifting its focus to electrical interconnectors that could support both gas and renewable energy sources.
According to a State Department official, Washington supports projects such as the planned Europe-Africa interconnection from Egypt to Crete and mainland Greece, as well as the proposed Europe-Asia interconnector to connect Israeli, Cypriot and European power grids.
"Such projects would not only connect vital energy markets, but would also help prepare the region for the transition to clean energy," the official said.
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