EU Closely Watching Russian-Algerian Gas Deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) during a visit to Algeria in March 2006 (epa) August 8, 2006 -- The European Commission's spokesman, Stefaan de Rynck, said today it is "very closely" following a deal between Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom and Algeria's Sonatrach.

Italian Industry Minister Pierluigi Bersani has warned in a letter to EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs that the deal would increase dependency on a limited number of gas suppliers and could push up gas prices in Europe.


(Reuters)

Russia And Global Energy Security

Russia And Global Energy Security

An oil field in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan (TASS file photo)

ENERGY SECURITY is increasingly moving to the top of the EU's agenda in its dealings the outside world. A recent report identifies the European Union's main energy objectives as not just securing gas and oil deliveries from Russia, but also ensuring that it has reliable alternative sources, including in Central Asia. Nonetheless, EU officials say relations with Russia take center-stage in their thinking....(more)


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