IP/08/432
Brussels, 11 March 2008
Gas Coordination Group evaluates the recent dispute between Russia and Ukraine At the request of Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, the Gas Coordination Group met in extraordinary session today in Brussels to evaluate the reliability of gas supplies through Ukraine following the dispute which arose last week and the launch of new negotiations between the two parties. After having ascertained that the European market supply was not affected by the supply restrictions imposed on Ukraine the Group underlined the importance and the necessity of urgent clarification of relations between Gazprom and Ukraine as far as domestic Ukrainian gas consumption and gas transit towards the EU is concerned. "Security of energy supply is one of the key elements of European Energy policy as defined by the European Council of March 2007. A reliable source of energy is essential for the European economy and for the well being of European citizens", declared Commissioner Piebalgs.
After having evaluated the situation caused by the supply restrictions imposed by Gazprom on Ukraine on 4 and 5 March this year, the Group reviewed the measures taken by the Member States who would have been most concerned by a momentary gas supply cut. However no particular measures needed to be taken as the gas supply was not negatively affected.
The repetition of these incidents has clearly highlighted the necessity of close cooperation between Member States which must be shown by effective solidarity. Those belonging to the EU must necessarily speak with one voice on questions linked to external energy policy. Nearly 80% of gas imported from Russia by the EU transits via Ukraine and supplies a dozen EU Member States.
The Gas Coordination Group was created by a Directive relating to measures that guarantee security of natural gas supply. Presided by the European Commission it is composed of concerned representatives of Member States, the gas sector and consumers. The object of the Group is to exchange information and to develop both short and long term concrete measures which reinforce the security of gas supply to the EU. The next scheduled meeting of this group will be on 3 April 2008.
