The Vice-President of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič, made several remarks following the 4th round of trilateral talks on gas transit with Russia and Ukraine that took place on 28 October.

“Unfortunately, I am disappointed by today's outcome. I had prepared today's trilateral talks in a way that should have allowed us – if there was a political will on all sides – to see a positive progress. Our objective was to arrive at a common understanding on key principles regarding the future transit of Russian gas via Ukraine,” said Maroš Šefčovič.

These principles include, among others, a common understanding that a future contract will be based on EU legislation and that the tariff-setting follows a new methodology, in line with EU practice. They should also focus on the volume of the future transit contract, as well as the contract's duration. “I underlined that an interconnection agreement between Ukraine and Russia should be signed as soon as possible,” stressed the Vice-President.

The parties agreed on intensifying bilateral contacts between respective ministries and administration, as well as companies. The next round of trilateral talks at political level in is foreseen in November.

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Press release

EU4Energy Programme