Gas dispute between Russia and Belarus
In response to the new gas dispute between Russia and Belarus, the European Commission intends to call a meeting next week of the Gas Coordination Group to review the gas supply situation in the context of the ongoing dispute between Russia and Belarus.
The Commission believes that a safe and undisturbed supply of energy is of key importance for Europe's economy. Energy supply disputes in the EU's direct neighbourhood are therefore of serious concern to the European Commission.
The Commission calls on both sides of the dispute to find swiftly an amicable settlement, to respect contractual obligations, to react in proportionate manner to disagreements and in any event not to disturb, neither directly nor indirectly, the gas supply to EU Member States.
Already yesterday evening, the Commission activated the EU's Network of Energy Security Correspondents (NESCO) to monitor the gas dispute between Russia and Belarus and its possible eventual impact on the flow of gas to the EU.
A permanent exchange of information is taking place among the Commission, the Member States and the Council Secretariat.
The Commission is also in contact with Gazprom and the authorities from Belarus.
The Gas Coordination Group was established by Directive 2004/67/EC dealing with measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply and is composed of the representatives of Member States, representative bodies of the industry concerned and of relevant consumers. It is chaired by the Commission.
The EU's Network of Energy Security Correspondents (NESCO) was created by the Commission as an early warning mechanism for the EU energy security (see IP/07/629). NESCO consists of representatives of the European Commission, the Council Secretariat and EU Member States. -Europa.eu
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