23 April 2004 03:46
Miller, de Palacio discuss energy policy changes
MOSCOW. April 23 (Interfax) - Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller and European Commission Vice President Loyola de Palacio
discussed changes in Europe's energy policy due to the liberalization of the European Union gas market at a meeting
in Moscow on Friday.
Gazprom said in a press release that Miller and De Palacio noted in particular that long-term gas contracts are the
basis for stable gas supplies to Europe.
They also noted the importance of creating a predictable and stable legislative system, regulating conditions on
European gas markets, and agreed that liberalization should help create a favorable investment climate in Europe.
"Prices for European consumers may be reduced by cutting
distribution costs and optimizing taxation in European Union
"It is necessary to create clear economic grounds and long-term framework conditions to encourage major
investment into the development of new fields and the construction of transport, storage and distribution
infrastructure," Miller said.
In turn, de Palacio expressed concern about low domestic gas
prices in Russia and the slow rate at which they are increasing. He
The principle of consumers being able to freely choose their supplier will be possible only if there is sufficient
gas transport capacity in Europe, which still needs to be set up.
According to International Energy Agency forecasts, over $200
billion will be needed to build new transportation, storage and
The Russian side also expressed concern about the idea that gas prices at the EU border should fall, and that the
supplier should bear the brunt of this, as this could increase producers' risks and have a negative impact on the
stability of supplies.
countries," Miller said.
said that this is holding foreign companies back from entering the Russian market.
distribution facilities alone in the period until 2030, to ensure reliable supplies to Western Europe. Investment in
the development of new fields is forecast at the same level. [RU EUROPE ASIA EEU EMRG ENR ELG NGS TRD] rd
[Interfax] |
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