The Brussels meeting involving High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, European Commission Vice President responsible for energy, Maros Sefcovic, and U.S. State Secretary John Kerry welcomed several energy projects in the EU that are contributing to the energy independence of Europe and in this context it "encouraged completion of an LNG terminal in Krk Island, Croatia," according to the joint statement.
The Energy Council "welcomed the goal of the European Council to build an Energy Union aiming at affordable, secure and sustainable energy, and supports the work underway to achieve a fully functioning and interconnected internal EU energy market, as laid out in the conclusions of the European Council of 23 October," reads the joint statement.
"Reinforcing energy infrastructure, accelerating priority projects including electricity and gas interconnections, moderating energy demand through the more efficient use of energy, and tapping into indigenous resources, including renewable energy, will bring the benefit of greater energy security and more competitive energy prices to all Member States and neighbouring states in the Energy Community. The Council recognised the importance of all projects in compliance with EU law, which contribute to the diversification of European supply sources and delivery routes."
A few days ago Russia stated that it would scrap the project of the South Stream gas pipeline, explaining that the European Union had made it clear that it did not want that supply route.
The European Commission has warned on several occasions that agreements between Russia and other countries through which the South Stream should pass are not in compliance with European rules on a distinct separation between gas suppliers and gas pipeline owners, which was not the case of South Stream.
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Thursday after meeting Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov that "as regards South Stream, the EU and Bulgaria are working together to solve the outstanding legal issues. They are not insurmountable. We should do what is best for Bulgaria and best for Europe. Boyko and Jean-Claude will find a solution together."
"South Stream can be built. The conditions have been clear for a long time. There is nothing new. The ball is in the court of Russia. We are ready. Preparatory work is on the way," Juncker was quoted as saying.