Expert points to Europe's interest in Russian gas
There are industrial lobbyists and political forces in Europe interested in restoring economic ties with Russia, including trade in energy resources such as gas. However, this requires reaching a political compromise, which remains questionable under the current conditions, Stanislav Mitrakhovich, a leading expert at the National Energy Security Fund and the Financial University under the Russian Government, told Izvestia on January 30.
Earlier in the day, the British newspaper Financial Times (FT), citing sources familiar with the discussions, reported that European officials were discussing whether to resume purchases of Russian pipeline gas as part of a possible agreement on Ukraine.
"The topic is of interest to everyone right now. Obviously, there are some industrial lobbyists in Europe who are interested in preserving the European economy. Therefore, they are calculating options for resuming trade with Russia, including energy and gas," Mitrakhovich explained.
According to him, despite the existence of ideas about resuming cooperation with Russia, their realization depends on reaching a political consensus, which remains unlikely under current conditions.
"I cannot vouch for the fact that political agreements will be reached, but if this happens, industrial lobbyists, who now cannot openly talk about the need to restore trade with Russia, will finally raise the issue," Mitrakhovich summarized.
Earlier, on January 17, Mitrakhovich in a conversation with Izvestia did not rule out an increase in gas exports from Russia to the EU. According to him, if Norway moves away from the "wrong economy," it is possible, of course, that in the long run Russia will be able to win back a part of this market. Such an option is not ruled out, and the fewer suppliers from other countries there are, the more we can expect Russia to regain some of the opposition.
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