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Speaking to the Deputy PM of Belarus, Uladzimir Syamashka, Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger did not receive any clear answer as to whether or not supplies of Russian gas to the EU will be cut by Minsk. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko had previously announced gas transit to the EU will be blocked as a response to Russia's previous cuts over a payment dispute. Despite Belarus' threat, the Commission confirmed the three EU countries concerned, Poland, Germany and Lithuania, had not been affected as of 8:00 CET, on 23 June.
Gas flows to Belarus from Russia are now down to 60% of normal levels
Speaking to both the Russian energy minister and Belarus' deputy prime minister, Commissioner Oettinger stated, on 23 June, that Europe must not be taken hostage.
"This is an issue between Belarus and Russia," Oettinger told the Syamashka and Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko. Oettinger further stressed that the Commission stands ready to ensure that "factual" information is being provided and exchanged between the two sides.
"We request both parties to cooperate in good faith in order to resolve the issue," Oettinger told the two in separate telephone conversations. "The Commission expects that gas flows to the EU will not be affected and that contractual obligations will be fulfilled."
Oettinger also asked Syamashka what the country's future plans are. "He did not get a clear answer," admitted the commissioner's spokesperson. The Belarus deputy prime minister neither confirmed nor denied press reports that President Lukashenko had ordered gas supplies to Europe to be cut.
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