Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Energy Union Maros Sefcovic is positive about the outcome of a recent round of trilateral gas talks between the European Commission, Russia and Ukraine, claiming the trilateral format has again proved to be useful.
”The trilateral format has again proven its usefulness today. Facilitated by the Commission, substantial progress on gas sale and purchase has been made, but some work still remains to be done,” he said after the meeting on December 9, 2016.
”Parties were close to conclude today and will now need to discuss the format of the agreement. I was reassured that dialogue will continue,” he added.
The talks, which were chaired by Sefcovic were attended by Russia`s and Ukraine`s Ministers for Energy, Alexander Novak and Ihor Nasalyk, as well as representatives of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and OAO Gazprom.
”All parties welcomed the opportunity to consult in Brussels on Friday on gas supplies to Ukraine and gas flows to the European Union over the coming winter. There was full commitment to work closely together to ensure gas flows from Russia to Ukraine and gas transit to the EU. In this respect, it has been agreed that discussions will continue at all levels,” the European Commission commented on the December 9 talks.
The Commission says it stands ready if needed to facilitate further discussions in the trilateral format.
