As winter looms, I am in awe of Europe’s resolution to stand firm against the tyranny of Russia’s Vladimir Putin as he weaponizes his country’s oil and natural gas supplies against those who protest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Yes, the danger of a severe economic retrenchment across Europe is great, leaders reckon, but pales in comparison to Putin’s existential threat to democracy, human rights and freedom.
That was the take from a meeting in Prague on Thursday where the leaders of 44 European countries, including the European Union’s 27 members and those aspiring to join.
This resilience and commitment to democracy has made the West’s hand stronger than ever.
“Leaders leave this summit with greater collective resolve to stand up to Russian aggression. What we have seen in Prague is a forceful show of solidarity with Ukraine, and for the principles of freedom and democracy,” said Liz Truss, the U.K.’s new prime minister.
All are bearing the brunt of the economic sanctions they have imposed against Putin. They’re also determined to wean their dependency on Russian fuel not only in retaliation but also for their future preservation.
The challenge is immense.
Before Putin invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, Russia was supplying Europe with more than half of its gas and a third of its oil. The EU’s goal is to ultimately end that reliance by 2030, starting with a 15 percent reduction this year.
Across the board, Europeans are rising to the challenge.
On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced government buildings will set thermostats at 66 degrees, only cold water will run in the restroom taps of public buildings and city lights will be dimmed earlier.
To walk the talk, the dapper president has begun wearing turtlenecks instead of a shirt and tie.
Lowering a thermostat by only 2 degrees cuts the typical heating bill by 7 percent. Other savings measures include setting your water heater to a recommended 130 degrees, unplugging electronic devices when not in use, staggering the use of large appliances, and using your car more economically by consolidating errands into fewer trips.
This is not idle talk.
Six months of conservation tactics in Germany have cut its use by 15 percent over the previous year.
But yes, it’s low-hanging fruit.
