Czech PM says EU needs more energy sources

The Czech prime minister, Mirek Topolánek, says if the EU does not draw energy from a variety of sources its freedom and independence will be threatened. Speaking at a meeting in Budapest to discuss the planned Nabucco natural gas pipeline, he said he regarded the project as a test of European integration; it would only be successful if the EU made it a top priority, he said. The Nabucco line would transport gas from Turkey to Austria, via Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary. Many countries in Europe were left without heating when a row between Russia and Ukraine led to a halt in gas supplies earlier this month.