Gas-coördinatiegroep bespreekt gasvoorziening voor de winter (en)

The Gas Coordination Group met yesterday in Brussels, at the request of Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs i, in order to ensure that the EU can meet the demand for gas this winter, particularly in view of last year's challenges to the security of gas supply. For first time, the group has welcomed representatives of Ukraine and Russia. "The Commission is keeping a close watch on developments having an impact on the security of our gas supply. In times of increasing dependence from external sources, the Gas Coordination Group has an important role to play in this respect", said Commissioner Piebalgs.

Although the Group concluded that there is no immediate need for concern, it was agreed that further vigilance is indispensable. Greater transparency in contractual relations between gas suppliers to Europe will also be necessary in order to reinforce confidence in both Russia and the Ukraine as reliable partners in gas supply and transit to the EU.

The participants were confident that major supply problems can be avoided, however, difficulties in the supply-demand situation cannot be ruled out (i.e. in the event of an extremely cold winter). The Group also discussed a draft work programme and actions to increase the readiness of the EU in the event of supply disruption in the future.

In view of the importance of Russian gas supplies transiting Ukraine, representatives from Ukraine and Russia also participated in the meeting, as well as representatives from other international institutions and international experts.

Where the United Kingdom is concerned, the situation is expected to improve substantially this winter in comparison to last year, notably due to the launching of two new pipelines from the Netherlands and Norway, and due to further increase of the capacity of the UK-Belgium Interconnector.

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.