Mr Buzek stressed the importance of an internal energy market: "[It] gives security of electricity and gas supply to our houses and our businesses. On the other hand, it gives the possibility to achieve affordable lower energy prices".

He also underlined that reinforcing the internal market could lead to more jobs: "Developing renewables, energy efficiency, and use efficiency (insulating houses in the whole EU) and so on... In each such activity we can create a lot of jobs."

When asked about increasing energy prices, he responded: "The rising of energy prices is caused by the necessity of investment, our climate policy and also rising fuel prices. We cannot avoid it unless we create a full and well-completed energy market." Prices could rise even more when the crisis ends, he also warned.

Several Facebook fans asked about shale gas, which could offer cheaper energy but is associated with a number of environmental risks. Mr Buzek said: "If we could achieve energy security and lower prices using any other primary energy resource, it would be possible to leave the idea of shale gas. Now we should think about drilling and extracting shale gas with all the environmental protection rules in mind."

There was also a question whether governments should regulate energy prices. Mr Buzek said in some cases yes, for example to protect vulnerable consumers.

Responding to a question about lowering the energy dependency of Eastern Europe, Mr Buzek said he was very supportive of solidarity and remarked this was even written down in the treaty in the case of energy.

The former EP president was also asked if he found it tougher to lead the Polish government than the European Parliament. Mr Buzek replied: "It was more difficult to lead the Polish government, but presiding over the EP was more absorbing and exhausting, with more than 18 hours of work per day."

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