Ukrainian and Polish presidents condemn EU decision on OPAL pipeline, saying its benefits Gazprom
The Ukrainian and Polish Presidents, Petro Poroshenko and Andrzej Duda, released a statement in which they said they were shocked by the European Commission’s decision to expand Gazprom’s access to the OPAL pipeline, which provides an opportunity for the Russian company to increase their flow of gas to Europe, bypassing Ukraine.
"We believe that the decision contradicts the rules and principles of the energy community and contradicts the achievement of the organization’s fundamental goal: the unification of an energy independent Europe. It undermines the principle enshrined in the treaty establishing the European Community and rules of competition,” the statement read.
It was noted also that the decision on the OPAL pipeline undermines the energy security strategy of the EU and also poses a threat to the energy security in Central and Eastern Europe. Moreover, it poses threats for a steady gas supply between Poland and Ukraine and a significant redirection of existing gas flows between other countries.
"It will undermine competition as it will further enhance Russia’s advantages: the market positions of Gazprom as the most dominant player in the market; the possibilities of Gazprom manipulating gas prices for certain countries,” the statement added.
Poroshenko and Duda called on the European Commission to reconsider their decision.
"We believe that this decision should be reconsidered although we realize how difficult and painful such a step can be,” the presidents noted.
On October 28th, the European Commission approved providing Gazprom access to the OPAL pipeline which unites Nord Stream with the gas transport systems of Central and Western Europe. Initially, it was agreed that Gazprom would use 50% of OPAL’s capacities, but now, according to the European Commission’s decision, the Russian company could gain access to another 21.4% to 28.3% of the pipeline’s capacity.
Consequently, Central European countries will receive Russian gas which will have circumvented Ukraine.
Ukraine agreed to hold additional consultations with the EU regarding this decision. If negotiations at a political level are not successful, Ukrainian Naftogaz may file a claim against the European Commission.