Italy supports South Stream, but insists on Russia to fulfill the demands of the EU

Italy, the new President of the EU Council, supports the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline, but insists on compliance with the EU legislation. The European Commission requires the project to meet the rules of the EU Third Energy Package, although intergovernmental agreements of Russia with the participating countries of South Stream were concluded before this document came into force. The fate of the project is currently being discussed by Moscow and Brussels.

The Italian Ambassador to Russia, Cesare Maria Ragalini has stated about willingness to negotiate on South Stream and emphasized the importance of its construction for the EU. "We would like that the dialogue with Russia is continued by the European Commission and the countries, which have a direct interest in the gas pipeline construction - he said to the Interfax.- Of course, all this should be carried out taking into account the European legislation, where, I'm sure, we will be able to find an appropriate solution". According to him, representatives of the Italian Government have repeatedly affirmed that their supported the project.

Italy became the President of the EU Council on July 1st, replacing Greece.