Press release: MEPs denounce the instrumentalisation of gas supplies by the Russian Federation

In light of Gazprom’s recent announcements, Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, David McAllister, Chair of delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee, Dariusz Rosati, and EP rapporteur on Ukraine, Michael Gahler, stated:

„We are deeply concerned about the decision taken by Gazprom on 1st March 2018 to stop supplying pre-paid gas to Ukraine, as well as about the following announcement of Gazprom’s withdrawal from the contract with Naftogaz. This is yet another proof of the instrumentalisation of gas supplies as a political tool of pressure by the Russian Federation, which might also impact the EU’s energy security.

We welcome the European Commission’s willingness to play a mediating role, and call on all parties to agree to start as early as possible trilateral consultations in the EU-Ukraine-Russia format and to participate in good faith in these discussions, with a view to overcoming this tense situation.

These recent developments make it even more important for the EU to enhance its energy security by immediately reducing its dependence on oil and gas supplied by authoritarian regimes and by stopping it altogether in the medium term.“

Further information

Committee on Foreign Affairs

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, David McAllister (EPP, DE)

Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee

Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee, Dariusz Rosati (EPP, PL)

EP rapporteur on Ukraine, Michael Gahler (EPP, DE)