Šefčovič Confirms Eastern European Countries Need Help
While Gazprom reportedly announced a y-o-y 23% increase in gas exports to Europe and Turkey in the third quarter, European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič emphasised the role of the North–South Corridor in connecting Central European energy markets, and increasing energy security in the region.
In a meeting with Paweł Olechnowicz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Central Europe Energy Partners (CEEP), the European Commissioner said that the North–South Corridor is a key strategic asset in a moment of ‘geopolitical upheaval’. He also stressed the importance of the energy sector for the European industry.
“We want to keep industry in Europe, facilitate its development and increase competitiveness. This applies also to the whole energy sector, including oil, gas and electricity. We are aware of the need to foster investments in these fields, and EU regulations have definitely an impact on that. We will work hard to make sure the European industry has proper conditions to grow” Šefčovič said in a note released on Friday.
CEEP recently made the case for the pipeline, speaking about ‘enormous political, economic and social benefits that the North–South Corridor would bring to the whole of Europe.’
Earlier this week, presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland and Romania discussed the document presented by CEEP.
Šefčovič already made it clear. His point is that the Nord Stream II project would have a negative impact on Eastern European countries
“The eastern European countries will clearly have their energy security decreased” he said Thursday in Sopot, Poland, referring to the planned expansion of pipelines carrying Russian gas to Germany.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Gazprom said it exported 41.4 billion cubic metres of gas to Europe and Turkey in the third quarter, registering a 23% from the third quarter in 2014. According to Reuters, Germany increased purchases by 19% to 11.2 bcm, while Italy by 69% to 7 bcm.