European Commission set to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas

Leaders of the EU member states have asked the European Commission to evaluate Europe's dependence on Russian oil and gas and to suggest ways to reduce this dependence, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is quoted by RIA Novosti as saying on Friday.

"We have asked the European Commission to prepare a comprehensive study of our dependence on Russia in the sphere of energy and suggest measures aimed at reducing such dependence if necessary," the head of the German cabinet says.