Brussels-Kyiv-Moscow gas JV mooted

Development of Ukraine’s gas transport system (GTS) could be achieved through a joint venture or cooperation between the European Union, Ukraine and Russia according to recent Interfax reports citing an unnamed EU Council official.

The EU, as a consumer of Russian gas, and the Russian Federation, as a major supplier of gas to Europe, both want to see a stable, reliable, and safe gas transport system in Ukraine, the official was quoted as saying.

recent conference on the modernisation of the Ukrainian gas transport system saw Ukrainians, Russians and Europeans in agreement that considerable investment is required to upgrade the system.

The EU and Ukraine are working to implement these plans, he said, adding that Russia is free to join them, adding that they are currently discussing a number of ideas for investments, including even the establishment of joint ventures in this area.