Press Release: Statement from the President Barroso and Commissioner Piebalgs on the agreement for the gas monitoring

President Barroso said: 'Following the intensive efforts of both the Czech Presidency and the Commission, I warmly welcome the agreement to the document setting out terms of reference for the monitoring mission that has been signed by Russia, Ukraine and the European Commission. This should now finally allow the resumption of gas supplies from Russia to the EU. I particularly thank the Presidency of the Council, Prime Minister Topolanek, for his final efforts to facilitate the deal in Kiev and Moscow. We now need the gas to flow immediately to the EU. There are many EU citizens at risk without gas supply, and this situation has gone on for far too long.'