The European Union welcomes the decision passed by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to separate the gas transmission system from Naftogaz, which they say is an important element for successful trilateral Ukraine-EU-Russia talks on gas transit via Ukraine after 2019.
"We welcome the substantial progress on Naftogaz Ukraine unbundling, as an element important for successful outcome of trilateral talks," European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic tweeted Thursday, Sept 19.
Read alsoZelensky: Ukraine to do its best to ensure uninterrupted gas transit to Europe
As UNIAN reported earlier, today, Sept 19, trilateral negotiations on gas transit via Ukraine are being held in Brussels. Negotiations are focused on the following issues: reflection of EU energy rules in a future framework agreement proper duration of the future contract, required volumes with possible variability, and rates.
UNIAN memo. The existing transit contract between Ukraine and Russia's Gazprom was concluded in 2009 for a period of 10 years. After it expires (from 2020), the Russian monopoly intends to minimize gas transit via the territory of Ukraine.
In full swing. A substantive discussion with #Ukraine's Energy Minister Orzhel kicks off the day committed to #TrilateralGasTalks. We welcome the substantial progress on @NaftogazUkraine unbundling, as an element important for successful outcome of trilateral talks. pic.twitter.com/4piQxZvHPe
— Maroš Šefčovič🇪🇺 (@MarosSefcovic) September 19, 2019