BRUSSELS, March 21 (UPI) -- A European economic committee announced that it was in favor of appointing a special envoy for a common European energy policy.
The European Economic and Social Committee expressed support for appointing a high representative for energy policy, calling on the European Union to coordinate its energy policy.
Stephane Buffetaut, EESC president of energy and infrastructure, said the EU should stand united when considering its relationships with energy-producing nations.
"It is a matter of great concern that the EU is increasingly dependent on undemocratic and unstable areas," he said in a statement, "In the long term, this could create many difficulties for the overall security of the EU."
The European government should look at ways to protect consumer interests, guarantee energy supply and safeguard economic and environmental sustainability, the EESC added.
The European Commission has adopted a plan to develop a low-carbon economy in the region.
Diversification, meanwhile, gained in importance after geopolitical rifts between transit nation Ukraine and gas-producing Russia exposed vulnerabilities in the European energy sector.
