Austria shares Germany’s stance that the Nord Stream 2 project should be implemented along with preserving Ukraine’s role as a transit state, and the European Union’s energy policy will, in general, be strengthened after the construction of this pipeline.
“I think this [Berlin’s stance] is understandable, because one of the criticisms of Nord Stream 2 has been that this is a project for political reasons to harm Ukraine. If we find ways to make sure that this is not true then it will be easier to implement Nord Stream 2. And this is what the German Foreign Minister said and that is very close to the Austrian position,” Austrian Ambassador to Russia Emil Brix said in an interview with Interfax, replying to a relevant question.
“If we can convince partners who are critical about this project by letting them know that these objectives, which are a part of the energy policy of the European Union can be strengthened by projects like Nord Stream 2, then we will be successful. As far as I know, Gazprom and also the Russian minister of energy are in good contacts with various Central and Eastern European countries regarding finding ways of how to get a positive response to this pipeline project,” he said.
“What I hear, and it is mainly from media actually, is that in some central European countries there are positive developments regarding this project. […] What we don’t want – and I’m sure that Russia also doesn’t want this – is that other countries – and I’m here mentioning Ukraine – will have negative economic effects and in their possibility to participate in energy policy issues, because of projects like Nord Stream 2. We have to rely that all partners are aware of this situation, but as far as I know there are good discussions going on,” the ambassador said.
“Regarding our energy policy relations with Russia, we can only say that we have very good experience. For almost 50 years Russia has served as a reliable source of gas to Austria,” he said.
“At this moment, as you know, OMV and Gazprom are intensifying cooperation in a number of very concrete projects. For us Nord Stream 2 is an economic projects promoted by key international energy companies which will be pursued in accordance with the relevant legal framework, and this framework comprises energy relations between the European Union and Russia. In general terms it is to be welcomed that Gazprom remains responsive to the development of the energy policy of the Europe Union, which aims to enhance competition, ensuring supply security and lowering cost for the benefit of consumers across Europe,” Brix said.
