EC to analyze Gazprom plans for pipeline via Turkey

Maros Sefcovic, the European Commission's vice president for energy union who visited Moscow on January 14, has taken note of Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller's announcement that Russia will build a gas pipeline told Interfax the EU via Turkey instead of the South Stream pipeline.

"Our services will now analyze Gazprom's plan with regard to its economic viability as well as regulatory and legal feasibility and as the consequences before we take a final decision on this," EC spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told a briefing in Brussels.

"In any case we expect that obligations arising from existing gas contracts are met. No reasons should be given to question Gazprom's reputation as a reliable supplier of gas," she said.

The EU calls on Gazprom to stay engaged with the European Commission and explore options for supplying has to southeastern Europe, and work with Ukraine and countries in southeastern Europe. Itkonen said there was broad consensus that the region needs stronger integration and real diversification of gas supplies.

It was in this context that a high-level working group was set up in December which will soon hold its first meeting in Sofia. The date has not yet been set.

Itkonen repeated that the EU is committed to building "an Energy Union, which aims at affordable, secure, renewable sustainable energy for all." "It is one of the top priorities of the Juncker commission and we remain committed to this," she said.

She said the main purpose of Maros Sefcovic's visit to Moscow was to follow up on the winter package for gas supplies to Ukraine and possibly to discuss a summer package, but right now she could not comment further on the summer package.

The parties need to decide whether they want this package, then the EC will respond, and will be ready to help, as was the case with the winter package, she said.