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Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the European Union

Submitted on 2019-09-20 12:04:51

Press release by the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation


Alexander Novak: “Russia is ready to fulfil its obligations to European consumers of Russian gas”.

Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak, Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič and Minister of Energy and Environment of Ukraine Alexey Orzhel held trilateral consultations within the Russia – EU – Ukraine format on the issue of Russian gas transit through the territory of Ukraine to European consumers after 2019.

The negotiations were held in a constructive manner, noted the head of the Russian Ministry of Energy once the consultations were over.

“During this meeting, we managed to discuss many issues related to gas supplies to Ukraine and gas transit through Ukraine after 2019,” said Alexander Novak.

According to him, in the course of negotiations the parties also discussed the issue of reconciling differences between Gazprom and Naftogaz of Ukraine within an amicable settlement at the Stockholm court of arbitration.

“In our view, it is important for ensuring economically viable gas supplies through the Ukrainian gas transportation system,” emphasised Alexander Novak.

He clarified that companies’ claims should be settled before 1 January 2020.

“By that time Ukraine plans to have implemented European gas legislation, completed the establishment of an independent regulator, and made systemic decisions on tariff setting,” the Minister said.

He stressed that at the same time Russia is ready to work in accordance with EU legislation.

“It means we are ready to reserve capacities of the Ukrainian gas transportation system from 1 January 2020. However, we also outlined the risks we see – those are rather short deadlines for the adoption of relevant laws and regulations as well as certification of the operator,” added Alexander Novak.

Alexander Novak also added that Russia and Europe have broad prospects for development in the energy sector which are not confined to the gas sector only.


Source URL: https://russiaeu.ru/en/node/3511