The fourth trilateral round of negotiations (Russia, EU and Ukraine) on the transit of Russian gas to Europe via Ukrainian territory has not led to real progress, deplored European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, at a press conference on Monday 28 October, just after discussions between the three sides had been concluded.
“I had prepared today’s trilateral talks in a way that should have allowed us, if there was a political will on all sides, to see a positive progress [...] I have to say that I am disappointed by today's outcome”, said Mr Šefčovič.
Contrary to expectations, the discussions did not produce a “common understanding” of the key principles of the future contract governing the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, in particular with regard to gas volumes, tariffs and duration of the contract, he then explained.
While recalling that there is an urgent need to reach an agreement (the current contract expires at the end of 2019), the Vice-President then clearly identified the Russian delegation as the main responsible for the status quo in the negotiations, arguing that they did not have all the necessary documents and requested more time to prepare.
According to Mr Šefčovič, the Russian delegation also insisted on the importance of having a global approach, including in the discussions the question of the direct sale of Russian gas to Ukraine as well as the question of resolving the conflicts between Gazprom and Naftogaz, which regularly appear before the Stockholm Court of Arbitration.
Finally, despite the lack of real progress, the Slovak assured that he is "not giving up" and that he is “still 100% convinced that there is a possibility for a balanced solution for all parties”.
The exact date for the next trilateral negotiations has not yet been set, but they are expected to take place in November. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)