German parliament Karl-Georg Wellmann has called for the upgrade the Ukrainian gas transportation system (GTS) first, and only then the building of new gas pipelines to Europe.
"This project [of GTS modernization] is among the most important of the strategic interests of Ukraine, Russia and Europe, and enjoys strong support from the German government. The project has also been backed by the European Commission and European Commissioner for Energy Guenther Oettinger. Two months ago, he publicly stated there was a need to renovate and repair the existing pipelines first, and then build new ones," the press service of the Energy and Coal Industry Ministry quoted Wellmann as saying.
According to him, the modernization of the Ukrainian gas transportation system will cost only 10% to 15% of the funds needed for the construction of the South Stream pipeline.
"So such decision is rational both from an economic and a political point of view," the German lawmaker said.
In turn, Energy and Coal Industry Ministry Volodymyr Makukha said that Ukraine hoped for EU support for the project for the large-scale modernization of the country's gas transportation system.
