EU reacts after Russia stops South Stream project
The European Union said that Gazprom's announcement did not change the EU's position on the gas pipeline.
The European Union (EU) will continue to hold talks on the South Stream pipeline project, which will transport gas from Russia to Central and Southern Europe via the Black Sea, on December 9, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said on December 2.
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| Russia's Gazprom announced the suspension of a project to transport gas from Russia to Central and Southern Europe. (Illustration photo: Internet) |
The EU statement came after Russia's Gazprom announced it was suspending the project, after Russia failed to receive a construction permit from Bulgaria under pressure from the EU. According to Mogherini, Gazprom's announcement does not change the EU's position on the gas pipeline. Planned talks on the project will continue.
“The EU’s decision on the South Stream project remains unchanged. That also means that everything that happens on EU territory and with EU partners must respect EU rules, and this applies to the South Stream project. However, Russia’s decision shows that it is urgent not only to diversify supply routes but also to diversify energy sources for Europe,” Mogherini affirmed.
The European Commission spokesperson also emphasized that the meeting on December 9 is one of the first opportunities for representatives from member states and the European Commission to discuss this issue and consider building an energy union for the EU.
Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev on December 2 also rejected all accusations from Russia regarding the suspension of the South Stream pipeline project. The Bulgarian President emphasized that South Stream is not a project between Russia and Bulgaria, but between Russia and the EU, so the decision is entirely up to Russia and the EU.
According to Mr. Plevneliev, the "South Stream" project is being implemented in the EU so it can only be implemented when the parties comply with EU law./.
According to VOV
