A gas pricing deal this week between Belarus and Russia is positive and steps taken by EU countries should be enough to ensure there is sufficient gas in the bloc this winter, the European Union said on Thursday, according to Reuters. A spokesman for the executive European Commission, Ferran Tarradellas Espuny, also told a news briefing he did not think a decision by Belarus to impose duty on Russian oil exports in transit through the country would affect EU supply security. The EU's Gas Coordination Group gave a "positive" assessment on Thursday of a Dec. 31 pricing deal between Russian gas monopoly Gazprom and Belarus outlined to it by the Belarus ambassador, a statement said. The group, chaired by the Commission and comprising EU states as well as industry and consumer representatives, also assessed steps by EU members to ensure stable gas supplies. "The general impression is that measures taken are adequate, but we have considered we have had a mild winter," Tarradellas Espuny said. "However after the crisis between Belarus and Russia this winter, and last winter the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, all member states have emphasised the need for strong cooperation ... for the supply of energy in general." Tarradellas Espuny said it was the first time Belarus had taken part in the gas group meeting in Brussels, but Russia did not take part even though it had been invited.
