The European Commission (EC) member in charge of climate and energy, Miguel Arias Canete, said the Energy Union will not be a union of "sanctions, but of opportunities," and stressed they will surpass the limits of Europe. He added that there are great opportunities for collaboration between the EU and Turkey in the field of energy. Yet, the EU has not opened any chapters related to energy for Turkey's EU ascension process.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency about the EU's Energy Union Project, Canete said the first visit to Turkey will take place in July, and he will personally represent the EU in meetings to discuss various energy-related topics such as electricity, natural gas, nuclear energy and renewable energy. He underscored that the EU is striving to establish strategic energy cooperation with Turkey, which is on the route of energy transmission lines. He also said the Energy Union Project aims to diversify both energy sources and suppliers. Moreover, along with various opportunities, within the scope of the project, any kind of violation will be penalized.

Speaking to Daily Sabah, economist Cemil Ertem said Canete's statements are not convincing since the EU resists opening energy chapters for Turkey. Despite being resource-poor, Turkey has proceeded on the way to becoming an energy hub by using its location. With its geographical position, the country stands where crucial natural gas pipeline projects are looking for transfer lines. After the conflicts between the EU and Russia over Ukraine, the EU began working on diversifying its sources to provide supply security - directing them to Turkey. However, "Turkey is waiting for concrete steps to be taken," Ertem said, highlighting that words are unconvincing if not accompanied by tangible actions.

Canete said the main objective of the Energy Union is to create a single market for the relevant countries to benefit from all energy resources. He also emphasized that any country searching for shale gas, petroleum and natural gas in Europe will have to comply with the high environmental standards that the EC approved last year. "We will determine how to use the most advanced technologies and will observe the environmental impacts of any kind of search," Canete added.