Christian Dolezal: Important decisions on Nabucco project are expected to be adopted this year

“2011 is a key year for Nabucco, with decisions to be made that will greatly affect the future of Europe’s energy supply,” said Christian Dolezal, Head of Corporate Communication & Public Affairs for Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH (NIC).

According to him, this is why the EU needs to build on its relationships with potential source countries for Nabucco, such as Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. With Central and Western Europe facing a considerable shortfall in its energy supply over the next two decades and gas prices expected to increase as domestic production declines, unlocking untapped supplies and transporting them to Europe will be of utmost importance.

He also noted that, Nabucco - the most competitive pipeline in the southern corridor – would help diversify Europe’s energy sources and secure its supply by transporting gas from the Caspian region through Turkey to the EU market, benefiting not just consumers in Europe but also the transit countries and source regions in Central Asia.

Note that, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger will visit Azerbaijan, on January 13. They will meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham ALiyev. All aspects of Azerbaijan-EU relations, including energy issues will be discussed at the meeting. Several documents are expected to be signed, during the visit. Jose Manuel Barroso will meet with Pm Artur Rasizadeh. Barroso will then leave for Turkmenistan, on January 14.


/APA/