Russia to file WTO lawsuit against EU energy laws

According to reports on the 30 April 2014, Russia planned to file its second formal complaint against the EU with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the EU's so-called 'Third Energy Package'.

At the heart of the Russian complaint were expected to be EU provisions which prevent a single company from both owning and operating a gas pipeline.

EU lawmakers agreed the rules, known as 'ownership unbundling', as part of its Energy Package on rules governing the bloc's gas and electricity market. The new framework, which was agreed in 2009, is aimed at stimulating competition in the EU's gas market and lower prices.

ESO: Background information: [Energy security debate] Poland calls for EU action to end Russia’s energy stranglehold http://www.europeansources.info/record/energy-security-debate-poland-calls-for-eu-action-to-end-russias-energy-stranglehold/

ESO: Background information: South Stream pipeline project frozen over Crimea crisis http://www.europeansources.info/record/south-stream-pipeline-project-frozen-over-crimea-crisis/

European Commission: DG Energy: Single Market for Gas & Electricity: Third Legislative Package http://ec.europa.eu/energy/gas_electricity/legislation/third_legislative_package_en.htm

EurActiv, 02.05.14: Russia takes EU energy rules to WTO arbitration http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/russia-takes-eu-energy-rules-wto-arbitration-301876

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