Hurriyet: Turkish stream risks Turkey’s advantage as an alternative to Russia
Russia’s proposal to sell gas to Europe via Turkey, the so called ‘Turkish Stream’ will jeopardize Ankara’s strategic importance, according to an energy expert. Turkey’s advantage stems from providing an alternative to decrease Europe’s dependence to Russia, says Mithat Balkan, Turkey’s former energy envoy.
Were you surprised when Russia canceled the South Stream project?
I was surprised, but it seemed to come with the stance the EU had taken against Russia. With the unbundling issue [EU provision, which requires the separation of gas production and sale operation from the transmission networks, to the effect that a single company may not both own and operate a gas pipeline] and the EU’s strict attitude to not have Russia dominate that part of Europe; it seemed it was going to happen, but such a swift action was a surprise for everyone.