Russia-Belarus gas dispute may help harmonise EU energy policy

A dispute between Belarus and OAO Gazprom that threatens to interrupt gas supplies to the European Union next week may lead to a more integrated EU energy policy and greater diversification of energy sources.

‘‘Politically, there’s an understanding among member states that a more coordinated energy policy is vital,’’ European Commission spokesman Amadeu Altafaj said today by telephone. ‘‘The EU is very dependent on foreign suppliers for both gas and oil, and so it’s clear that a more integrated energy policy is needed — and not only during a crisis.’’
Financial Express