EU chief says key to energy crisis is pushing Green Deal

By RAF CASERT
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s top official is exhorting the bloc’s 27 nations to wean themselves off natural gas not only to speed the transition to clean energy but also to make the bloc a more independent player in the world. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday on the eve of an EU summit centering on the energy crisis that the bloc imports 90% of its gas. Much of it comes from strategic rival Russia. Von der Leyen said “this makes us vulnerable.” As a result the EU leader wants the bloc to double down on a swift transition to clean energy from wind and sun, which can be domestically produced.