Absence of Clearly-Defined Energy Supply Strategy in EU Dangerous - Gazprom

The European Union does not have a clearly-defined strategy on energy supplies, while Russia could provide Europe with reliable solution in this area, Viktor Zubkov, chairman of the board of directors of Russia's energy giant Gazprom said Friday.

MUNICH (Sputnik) —Zubkov said that Russia offers Europe a number of solution to this problem, including the implementation of the Nord Stream-2 pipeline project and the supplies through the so-called "Southern Gas Corridor."

The Nord Stream 2 is the gas pipeline joint venture, which is expected to provide an additional route for the Russian gas to Germany through the Baltic Sea, bypassing the three Baltic countries and Poland. Gazprom started the project with a consortium of five largest European energy companies, including Shell and E.ON.

"The implementation of the Nord Stream 2 project would be a great contribution to the strengthening of energy security of Europe. Russia offers a commercial project which is beneficial both to Europe and Germany. It must be implemented," Viktor Zubkov told RIA Novosti.

According to Zubkov, German partners have a positive attitude toward the project.

"At present, the EU does not have a clear strategy on energy supplies…It is very dangerous as Europe is in a frenzy," Zubkov said at a Munich meeting in the framework of the Petersburg Dialogue forum.

"Russia is offering real projects, real gas, ensuring Europe's energy security in the long run," he stressed.