Dmitry Magonya commented on the positions of EU Member States regarding procedural issues about gas contracts

Several EU states criticized a bill that allows Brussels to monitor intergovernmental agreements regarding natural gas with third countries, including Russia. Interfax Natural Gas Daily reported that, according to a letter from the French Senate to the European Parliament, the European Commission’s examination of intergovernmental agreements and negotiations raises questions about the responsibilities of states in this area. Austria, Portugal, and Malta have similar concerns.

“Questions regarding antitrust matters, including those in the oil and gas sector, are within the competency of the EU Council,” according to Dmitry Magonya, the managing partner of the law firm ART DE LEX. He further noted that the EU Council is formed on the principle of “one minister from each of the 28 EU member countries,” and a qualified majority makes decisions.