EU Energy Commission approves of South Stream gas pipeline: commissioner - Xinhua | English.news.cn

VIENNA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The European Energy Commission approves of the planned South Stream gas pipeline project that would bypass Ukraine, the EU Energy Commissioner said in Vienna Monday.

Talking to journalists, Guenther Oettinger said talks are currently underway to ensure that European law, as well as public procurement, environmental and competition laws are complied with.

The project would see a pipeline run from Russia across the Black Sea to Bulgaria, then on to Greece, Italy, and Austria.

Oettinger said the EU and Russia had a "functioning gas partnership," and that there was a "mutual dependence."

He also reiterated the need for diversification of gas sources along with new routes and a better network, saying "to reduce import dependency is now more important than ever."

In five years Azerbaijan should be producing gas, he added, which should hopefully open up the Southern Gas Corridor, the next major step.

 

 

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-06/17/c_133412147.htm