Moscow challenged the EU Third Energy Package in the WTO

Moscow challenged the EU Third Energy Package

After several years of unsuccessful attempts to reach a compromise with the European Union on the Third Energy Package Russia decided to challenge it in the WTO courts. According to the experts, the Moscow’s claim is unprecedented for the WTO, and the outcome of the proceedings is difficult to predict. Russia's chances of winning the argument look small, but a tactical compromise that would solve "Gazprom"’s problems with the South Stream project can be achieved.

Russia has requested formal consultations with the EU under the World Trade Organization regarding the application of the EU Third Energy Package, thus starting the trial procedure. Moscow believes that the Third Energy Package contradicts a number of EU commitments in the WTO, including those contained in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and the Agreement Establishing the WTO. Now the parties have 60 days to reach the compromise, otherwise Russia will have the right to convene a panel of arbitrators. The European Commission (EC) has already stated that the Third Energy Package was fully consistent with WTO rules.