Russia’s gas pipeline strategy and Europe’s alternatives

There is an immediate threat to gas supplies that the European Commission needs to deal with. The recent break-down in negotiations over gas supplies to Ukraine should be taken very seriously: Europe cannot bet on warm weather to deliver security of gas supplies. Ukraine (and by implication Europe) was lucky to live through the last winter safely with minimal gas purchases from Russia. There are no guarantees that every subsequent winter will be warm. And there are few options (and little time) for Europe to secure gas flows to its citizens this coming winter other than doing its homework – preparing for the worst this coming winter – and to continue supporting Ukraine in securing finances for filling up its storage capacity.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Russia softens positions in Ukraine gas talks http://www.europeansources.info/record/russia-softens-positions-in-ukraine-gas-talks/

ESO: Background information: Gazprom inks plan for new gas pipeline to Germany http://www.europeansources.info/record/gazprom-inks-plan-for-new-gas-pipeline-to-germany/

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