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Russia's begins its WTO offensive against EU over pipeline
RUSSIA has asked for negotiations with the European Union on its objections Gazprom's business model, believed to be a step in taking the matter to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Reuters reports.
Russia objects to the EU's plan to open gas and electricity markets, which undermine plans for giant South Stream pipeline, which the Russians want to build to bypass transit through Ukraine.
Russia objects to an EU requirement on granting access to natural gas and electricity networks, which forces Russian firms, such as Gazprom to sell stakes and cede market share.
Said European Commission trade spokesman John Clancy: "The EU is confident that the energy regulation is fully compatible with WTO rules and is ready to explain this in consultations with Russia."
The Russians say the EU measures are inconsistent with WTO agreements on services, as well as on subsidies and countervailing measures.
WTO members have 30 days to begin talks to try to resolve a dispute. If these fail, after 60 days a country may ask the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body to establish a dispute panel.
Russia objects to the EU's plan to open gas and electricity markets, which undermine plans for giant South Stream pipeline, which the Russians want to build to bypass transit through Ukraine.
Russia objects to an EU requirement on granting access to natural gas and electricity networks, which forces Russian firms, such as Gazprom to sell stakes and cede market share.
Said European Commission trade spokesman John Clancy: "The EU is confident that the energy regulation is fully compatible with WTO rules and is ready to explain this in consultations with Russia."
The Russians say the EU measures are inconsistent with WTO agreements on services, as well as on subsidies and countervailing measures.
WTO members have 30 days to begin talks to try to resolve a dispute. If these fail, after 60 days a country may ask the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body to establish a dispute panel.
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