Brussels, 19/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - Meeting on 18 June to assess the risk that Russian gas supplies to the EU, which are shipped through Ukraine, may be interrupted due to the difficulties encountered by Kiev for paying Russia for its gas, the Gas Coordination Group agreed to study possible measures to ensure supply security next winter. After hearing the presentation by Gazprom and Naftogaz representatives on the prospect of supplies and shipment this winter, the Commission, which presides over the coordination group composed of member state experts, experts from the gas sector and consumer representatives, urged Russian and Ukrainian gas companies to reach a stable, long-term arrangement to ensure that Russian gas supplies intended for the EU, through the transit country Ukraine, are secure. The Commission again stressed that Russians and Ukrainians should comply with their legal and contractual obligations concerning gas transportation towards the EU. The possibility of another gas shortage this summer means that a detailed study should be made of the effect this will have on the coming winter, as it may affect the ability of European carriers to meet customer demands. Member states, national regulators, organisations representing the gas industry, and consumers have communicated their own assessment of the likely impact as far as they are concerned. The Commission is to examine in greater detail the level of preparedness of authorities and companies in the natural gas sector, during the next meeting of the Gas Coordination Group on 2 July. (E.H./transl.jl)