On the initiative of Vice-President for the Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič trilateral ministerial talks with Russia and Ukraine on the long-term transit of gas to Europe will take place on 17 July in Berlin, Germany. Ministers of the respective governments – namely Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak and Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin – as well as representatives of the two relevant commercial entities will be present.
The EU is committed to facilitating this trilateral process which in the past, proved to be effective in reaching tangible, successful results. Ahead of the meeting, Vice-President Šefčovič said: “Constructive and stable cooperation between Russia and Ukraine in the field of energy is of utmost importance for both countries and the European Union. The need for a continued, long-term transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to the EU in a reliable, commercially viable way is an indispensable part of it. It is clear that time is of the essence. The negotiations that lie ahead of us are complex and therefore, require full attention and constructive engagement. As proven in the past, a trilateral process is the most effective platform to seek a satisfactory solution to the gas matters important for involved parties and to gas transit via Ukraine beyond 2019.”
The trilateral meeting starts at 14:30 CET and takes place in the premises of the Commission’s Representation in Berlin. While the talks are not be open to the media, Vice-President Šefčovič will debrief during a subsequent press point there. Europe by Satellite will transmit it LIVE.
Media accreditation is required by registering at [email protected] and sending the surname, passport/national ID number and the media organisation title.
The deadline is Monday 16 July 16:00 CET.
For more information: Anca Paduraru – Tel.: +32 229 91269; Nicole Bockstaller – Tel.: +32 229 52589
