Commission examines issues of abuse of Gazprom's monopoly position

The EU Commission announced in March that Gazprom has made commitments to ensure the free flow of gas at competitive prices to European countries. Poland, Ukraine and other countries affected by the gigantic monopoly practice were disappointed that Brussels decided not to impose fines. The deadline for submission of preliminary settlement comments expired on 4 May.

Brussels' Politico website wrote a few days ago that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are strongly opposed to a settlement with Gazprom, thanks to which the company will have to avoid fines. However, there is little chance that the main victims of the Russian monopoly, namely Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, will be able to stop the agreement, the portal notes.

At a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, European Commissioner Vestager, working on the issue, clarifies: “I have a project, but we are still working on it. When we're done, we'll see what happens next. " Only after considering the comments of the European Commission will the issues that may lead to fines be resolved.

A preliminary agreement between Gazprom and the European Commission assumes that the company, in particular, will remove restrictions on gas re-export, and even promote resale. It must also ensure that gas prices in Central and Eastern Europe reflect market prices.