Source: EU countries to discuss each gas import deal

BRUSSELS, Mar 20 (PRIME) -- An E.U. summit on Friday will decide to scrutinize gas import deals signed with each European country for their conformity with the E.U. legislation, a source close to E.U. authorities told PRIME late Thursday.

“At their meeting, their discussion focused on energy security and transparency of gas contracts. All gas contracts must be in line with E.U. law, more transparent and should not affect negatively Europe's energy security,” E.U. authorities’ said in a summit agenda.

The summit started on Thursday, and E.U. leaders discussed the establishment of strategic partnership with countries transiting gas and protecting their sovereignty, according to the agenda.

All leaders of the E.U. agreed to establish an energy union, European Council President Donald Tusk said in a video speech after the first day of the meeting.

“The European Union is becoming more and more dependent on external supplies. When gas is delivered from different sources and contracts are flexible, it is good,” Tusk said.

“But the bulk of bilateral contracts are with our dominant partner, Russia, and they were signed on a long-term basis, some of them for over 20 years. This may be unhealthy both for our security and out market.”

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