Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak and Vice-President of the European Commission on Energy Maroš Šefčovič discussed the resumption of cooperation within the framework of the Russia-EU implementation of gas supplies to Ukraine and its transit to European consumers, prospects for joint work in the electricity sector, and others. Later Alexander Novak took part in a meeting with Maroš Šefčovič Vice-President of the Government of the Russian Federation Arkady Dvorkovich.

"Despite the various political issues, it is important to find a common language - the basis for moving forward. Ultimately, we have one common goal - reliable and predictable energy policy to all on the basis of long-term approaches that are independent of global shocks and crises, "- said Arkady Dvorkovich, congratulating Maroš Šefčovič on his appointment as Vice President of the European Commission.

"I arrived in Moscow in order to explore possible ways of our future cooperation," - in turn, said Maroš Šefčovič, expressing hope that in the near future will be able to alleviate the political contradictions that impose a negative impact on economic relations between Moscow and Brussels.

In turn, the Minister said that: "We have with Mr. Shefchovichem an open exchange of views on almost all issues. One of the main outcomes of today's meeting - agreed that during the month of experts will prepare specific proposals for the resumption of discussions in the framework of the energy dialogue between Russia and the EU. "

The sides also expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the so-called "Winter package" for Ukraine, governing the supply of natural gas in this country. At the same time, the Russian side informed the European partners about the risks of shortages of natural gas to Ukraine in case of a sharp drop in temperature in February and March. We agreed to continue working together to monitor the situation and confirmed their readiness to use the so-called "Early warning mechanism" in the event of a threat to the transit of gas through Ukraine.
The parties discussed the prospects for a reliable gas supply to consumers in South-Eastern Europe, especially in light of recent decisions of the completion of the project "South Stream" and the beginning of the construction of a new gas pipeline from Russia through Turkey to the Greek-Turkish border. The Russian side has informed the Vice-Chairman of the Commission that the decisions made along the pipeline route are final and not subject to revision.

In this context, the European Commission will soon begin to address the issue of options and sources of expansion and the corresponding new infrastructure within the European Union and the European Community, which will allow the transportation of "blue fuel" from a future gas hub in Turkey to consumers in Central and South-Eastern Europe.
The parties also stressed the need for an early resumption of consultations on the draft agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus and the European Union of the Unified Energy System of Russia and the energy systems of Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in synchronous mode.

Source: http://minenergo.gov.ru/