Germany to Backstop Poland while Negotiations with Russia Continue

E.On Ruhrgas has agreed to supply Poland with natural gas, should its on-going discussions with Russia not satisfactorily conclude prior to any risk to Polish consumers.

Company spokesperson Adrian Schaffranietz, stated that E.ON " is ready to deliver just as much gas as Poland should need."

Polish Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar Pawlak, met with EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger to discuss the agreement struck this past January between Poland and Russia dealing with volumes and rates for gas for Poland and transiting en route to Europe.

The agreement was initially due to be signed earlier this year, but has been delayed as Poland awaits European Union approval, which has said that the arrangements are inconsistent with EU rules.

Specifically, the EU has concerns over EuRoPol Gaz,  the operator of the Yamal-Europe pipeline which carries Russian gas to Europe.

The EU requires that the operator of the pipeline remains independent of those companies who use its infrastructure and also that it guarantees equal access to the gas.

Negotiations appear to be proceeding well.

"After the meeting, Energy Commissioner Oettinger said that there was a good chance that a common position between Poland and Russia will be found, which will be in line with EU law," Oettinger's spokeswoman told reporters.

"The commissioner is confident that a good solution can be found," she added.