The EU emphasized energy security in the Versailles Declaration

In the Versailles Declaration of the EU leaders, it was emphasized that the EU will not leave the Ukrainian people alone and that the pressure on Russia and Belarus will increase.

It was noted that after Ukraine's application for membership on February 28, it would be supported to follow the European path of this country, and that the European Council also asked the EU Commission for an opinion on the membership applications of Moldova and Georgia.

"The war waged by Russia constitutes a tectonic change in European history." In the statement, it was stated that European countries decided to take more responsibility for their own security and European sovereignty, as well as to reduce their dependence.

These decisions were listed under the headings of "strengthening defense capabilities," "reducing energy dependencies," and "building a stronger economic foundation."

More investment in defense

Under the title of "strengthening defense capabilities," the decision taken by European countries to increase strategic autonomy in December 2021 was underlined, along with transatlantic relations, EU-NATO cooperation, and the EU's autonomy in decision making.

The statement noted that the EU's strength would be complementary to NATO's, and that EU countries should invest more in defense and innovative technologies.

For this, it was stated that it is necessary to increase defense expenditures by identifying strategic deficiencies, developing cooperation with joint projects and joint purchases among member countries, investing in critical and emerging technologies, and strengthening the defense industry, including SMEs.

In addition, factors such as strengthening resilience in the cyber field, developing the infrastructure for this, increasing the fight against disinformation, and strengthening the space industry were pointed out.

In the Versailles Declaration, EU leaders asked the EU Commission to prepare an analysis by mid-May, in coordination with the European Defense Agency, on where defense investments should be directed and present proposals for strengthening the industrial and technological base of European defense.

The statement also stressed that the EU's partners will be supported by all means, including increasing the use of the European Peace Fund.

Energy dependency will be reduced

In the section titled "Reducing Energy Dependence," it was noted that the EU set ambitious targets within the scope of 2050 climate targets.

The statement included the expression, "The current situation requires a comprehensive reassessment of how we secure our energy resources."

Pointing out that it was agreed to gradually get rid of dependence on Russian gas, oil, and coal as soon as possible, it was stated that member countries should rapidly reduce their dependence on fossil fuels in their energy source preferences.

The importance of developing the hydrogen market in Europe through the diversification of natural gas supply sources and the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) routes was emphasized.

Emphasizing the importance of accelerating renewable energy investments and their licensing processes, it was noted that gas and electricity connections in Europe should be strengthened.

In the Versailles declaration, attention was drawn to the need to increase energy efficiency. In the statement, which stated that there will be a sufficient level of natural gas in the warehouses and joint filling operations will be worked on, it was stated that the activity of the electricity markets will be observed.

The economic base will be strengthened

In the section titled "Building a stronger economic foundation", it was emphasized that the Single Market will continue to be completed and strengthened.

According to the statement, Europe's economic foundation will be made more resilient, competitive, green, and ready for digital transitions, and strategic dependencies will be reduced.

Pointing out that the EU will establish strategic partnerships for critical raw materials and focus on strategic storage and efficient use of resources, it was emphasized that the supply chain for chips will be diversified, and it was noted that the EU will invest more in this area and increase its production.

In the Versailles Declaration, it was stated that by increasing plant-based protein production, dependency on imported basic agricultural products and inputs would be reduced and food security would be improved.