The European Union is not opposed to the South Stream gas pipeline, its construction has been temporarily suspended, Interfax quoted Gunter Oettinger, European Energy Commissar, as saying. In order to resume the construction, Russia must recognize the Third Energy Package, according to which gas producing companies cannot own the pipelines on the EU territory.
Oettinger has complained about the suit filed by Russia to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to disagree to the European rules. “We have started talks, created the working group and continued discussion. But several days ago Russia decided to apply to WTO to get exception from the European regulations. It has accused us of violation of WTO rules. This means that the Russian energy policy corresponds to the WTO rules, but the EU legislation does not,” he said.
European Commissar said that first Russia must recognize the EU regulations and bring the South Stream in correspondence with them and only after that seek for exceptions for itself. Oettinger added that the exceptions are possible.
“The violation of the local market rules is unacceptable for us. The exceptions are possible, but at first one should accept our rules and only then ask for exceptions. The situation was the same with Nord Stream. We display flexibility and make exceptions. But partners and investors of the project must accept the rules,” said the European Commissar.
On June 3, 2014 the European Commission asked Bulgaria, through which the South Stream gas pipeline passes, to suspend its construction. After five days the government of the country has agreed to suspend the works. But on the next day Serbia followed Bulgaria’s example.