by E. Gurkan Abay
ANKARA
Russia made an application to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Wednesday for talks with EU on the “Third Energy Package,” which Russia claims is in violation of international agreements.
The EU introduced their Third Energy Package in 2009, to liberalize the European energy market and reduce monopolies.
In its application to WTO, Russia claimed that the package was limiting access by the Russian energy giant Gazprom to electricity and natural gas markets. Russia further asserts that the package was forcing Gazprom to sell its shares and shrink market share, which is against WTO agreements.
According to information received from the European Commission by Anadolu Agency, spokesperson for trade of the European Commission John Clancy said the EU takes note of Russia’s request and confirms readiness to respond according to the procedures of the WTO framework.
Underlining that the EU is confident that the energy regulation challenged by Russia is fully compatible with WTO rules, Clancy added that the commission is ready to explain this in consultations with Russia.
Member countries in the WTO must begin talks on Russia’s application within 30 days and if these talks do not yield positive results, a member can apply within 60 days for the start of a Dispute Settlement Body.
The Third Energy Package obliges Russia’s Gazprom to operate a maximum of 50 percent of a natural gas pipeline. However, Russian energy officials object to this because Gazprom is the sole company in Russia with the right to export gas via pipeline.
Russia’s application followed Washington’s new sanctions brought against Russia on Monday, which targeting seven new Russian government officials and 17 companies linked to President Putin’s inner circle.
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