EU can intermediate in Russia–Ukraine post-‘19 gas transit talks

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 22 (PRIME) -- The European Commission is ready to become an intermediary if Russia and Ukraine discuss prolongation of a gas transit agreement for after 2019, Vice President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Friday.

Last year Russia said it will not prolong the transit deal with Ukraine but in December, President Vladimir Putin said he is not so sure whether this route really has to be closed.

Sefcovic also said that the E.U. will help Russia bring the gas transit contract in compliance with the European legislation.

“We have seen the statements of President Putin and I have heard about that from minister (Energy Minister Alexander) Novak. We understand that it would be very important to have a discussion on the revision of the transit protocol for the period beyond 2019. We are ready to contribute, to offer our assistance in this matter, because we believe that we can make a modern transit protocol, which would be based on transparent European rules and legislation,” Sefcovic said.

End