Gazprom: Europe needs Turkish Stream pipeline

Gazprom said on Tuesday that Europe will need to accede not only to the contested Turkish Stream pipeline but other gas distribution schemes too if it wants to avoid a major energy deficit in the near future.

"We will proceed from the assumption that good sense will prevail in Europe, and that we will talk not only about the distribution of gas through the Turkish pipeline … but that we will soon talk about additional volumes too," said Alexander Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the board of Gazprom.

Without help, the EU will likely see a 50 billion cubic meter deficit of imported gas in 2025, he added.

Medvedev's statement was the latest in a battle of words between Gazprom and the EU over the future of the Turkish Stream project, the proposed pipeline designed to transport gas from Russia into Europe through Greece and Turkey.

Gazprom has been adamant that the EU has no choice but to back the pipeline, while the EU has expressed continued skepticism about the project, which could violate EU energy laws that bar companies from controlling all parts of a gas supply chain.

Speaking at the 2nd Russian Energy Forum this week, Boris Abramov, Russia's trade representative said that the Turkish Stream gas pipeline will help increase Europe's energy security.

Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner

Sources: The Moscow Times, World Bulletin

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