Russia has addressed the World Trade Organization (WTO), expressing concerns about the reform of management of Ukraine`s gas transportation system (GTS) and its compliance with the WTO rules, according to the Ukrainian Economic Development and Trade Ministry`s press service.
None of the WTO member states has supported Russia`s position, the ministry said.
In response to Russia`s concern, the Ukrainian delegation to the WTO stated that the reform of the GTS management was fully compliant with the EU energy legislation and the Energy Community regulations. What is more, it is aimed at ensuring fair competition and security of supplies in consumers` interests.
As UaPosition reported earlier, Ukraine plans to complete by June 2016 the reform of the GTS management, which would result in the establishment of two separate companies to manage main gas pipelines and underground gas storage facilities in the country. The reform is also expected to facilitate the attraction of Western investors to modernization of the country`s gas transportation infrastructure, which was built in the Soviet era.
In August 2014, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the law on amendments to some Ukrainian laws with respect to reforming the system of management of the unified gas transportation system of Ukraine, which provides for the attraction of European and American investors to the Ukrainian GTS management.
It is noted that a contest for selecting investors will be transparent, requiring the participants to provide information about the ownership structure and all beneficiaries. In addition, the winner company shall be required to report regularly (every five years) to the Ukrainian parliament regarding the scope of work performed.
Ukraine has also initiated dispute proceedings with the WTO regarding restrictions on transit and imports of food and railway equipment imposed by the Russian Federation.
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