BRUSSELS, March 13 (RIA Novosti) - The executive branch of the European Union expects Russia to remain the main energy partner of the EU, a European think-tank said Monday.
Lucia Montanaro-Jankovski of the European Policy Center said energy partnership with Russia had long been a key issue for the EU, and would remain so, as it meets the interests of both sides.
The expert's comments came following a presentation by the European Commission of a Green Paper on a common EU energy strategy. EU energy ministers in Brussels will consider the document, which also outlines energy cooperation with Russia, on Tuesday.
Montanaro-Jankovski cited a $10-billion project to build the experimental ITER nuclear fusion reactor in the southern French town of Caradache as a graphic example of effective cooperation between the EU and Russia. The project also involves the United States, Japan, South Korea, China and India.
She said that nuclear power also remained essential, although the EU was interested in alternative energy sources, including wind power.
The different economic conditions and energy mixes of EU nations will not affect the European Commission's commitment to a common energy policy in the region, Montanaro-Jankovski said.
