According to Mr Günther Oettinger European Commissioner for Energy during his conversation with the Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Mr Yuriy Boykoon January 13 2012 that, "The EU is willing, if Ukraine and Russia so wish to enter into tripartite consultations on gas transit at any time."

The officials talked over the ongoing discussions between Ukraine and Russia on the question of gas pricing and transit.

Mr Oettinger noted that any new Ukraine's agreements with Russia on natural gas must guarantee the full respect of the legal commitments Ukraine had as a member of the Energy Community. He emphasized the importance of the correlation between Ukraine's existing obligations and future contracts both for the energy security and independence of Ukraine.

Moreover, the energy chapters of the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine were based on Ukraine engagements that ensue from joining the Energy Community treaty 2011.Founded in 2006, the Community regulates energy relations between the EU and a number of neighbouring countries in order to establish a common regulatory framework for member energy markets through extending EU standards across their territories.

Mr Günther Oettinger went on to reassure the European Commission stands ready to continue both its active support to the Ukrainian energy sector reforms and to the upgrading of the gas transit infrastructure in Ukraine. The Commission wants to ensure that Ukraine remains a key part of the pan-European energy network. Minister Mr Boyko and Commissioner Mr Oettinger agreed to work on a common strategy to further Ukrainian energy market integration into the EU.

(Sourced from www.sacbee.com)