IEA Head Says Energy Crisis Risks Destroying European Unity Ahead of Looming Winter

The scramble for energy resources between the EU countries this winter could destroy European unity and trigger social unrest, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Friday, citing International Energy Agency (IEA) Head Fatih Birol.

“The implications will be very bad for energy, very bad for the economy, but extremely bad politically," Birol said, as quoted by the newspaper.

According to the newspaper, the growing energy crisis in Europe raises concerns that some countries may conclude third-party deals for imports from Russia or restrict the export of electricity to their neighbors. In this case, European countries will cease cooperation with each other and everyone will be on their own, Birol said.

“If Europe fails this test in energy, it can go beyond energy implications,” Birol added.