"EU not asking for distancing from Russia on energy"

The EU is not asking Serbia to distance itself from Russia when it comes to energy, according to EC Vice President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic.

Izvor: RTS

Friday, 12.06.2015.

10:44

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"EU not asking for distancing from Russia on energy"

He also said the EU is ready to support energy diversification recommended for Serbia from its funds.

Sefcovic pointed out that section of the pipeline through Bulgaria could be financed from the Cohesion Fund, while the one running through Serbia could be financed from IPA funds.

He noted the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development should also be involved in financing.

"We see Serbia and other candidate countries as part of the Energy Union project. Serbia can attend all preparations and meetings on energy security in the region. We will work very closely with Serbia on interconnections," he said.

Asked if he actually recommends that Serbia should distance itself from Russia by advising it to diversify its energy supply, the EC official said, "definitely not."

"What we wish to achieve is that every European country has more energy security, and that means access to at least three different sources of gas. That increases competition and influences the price positively," he said.

Asked whether this means "he does not mind" if Turkish Stream were to reach Serbia, Sefcovic replied:

"We would need to discuss Turkish stream because we know about it so far only from press conferences. And we need to know what influence it would have on the overall energy security in Europe and if European laws will be respected. And of course it opens the question of Ukraine as well. That route must be preserved, there we have gas pipelines that have been in use for decades, even during the Cold War. So we need to yet discuss Turkish Stream in a constructive atmosphere, to consider the commercial side of the project and see how it fits in the strategy of the Energy Union."

Sefcovic added that the EU had "very intensive communication with Russian partners" - especially on the issue of trilateral negotiations with Ukraine and the so-called Winter Package.

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