Concerns have grown about the Ukraine gas supply transit route amid tensions between Kiev and Moscow (ALEXANDER ZOBIN)

Brussels (AFP) – The EU on Monday proposed a new contract for Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukraine from 2020, while anticipating no problems with supplies this winter. 

European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said ministers would meet again in May to discuss the deal, but Ukraine voiced concern that Russia might exploit the delay.

“Time flies and every day we are getting closer to the end of 2019 when the current contract expires,” Sefcovic told reporters after hosting talks in Brussels with Russian and Ukrainian ministers and gas executives. 

He said the three sides took stock of the legal framework for a future contract for transit via Ukraine, tariffs and the European Union’s future demands.

“Security of gas supply this winter was also discussed,” the EU’s Slovak diplomat said.

“Everything is fine, under control and we don’t foresee any complications this winter,” Sefcovic told reporters after winter gas disruptions a decade ago. 

Sefcovic said he tabled a “fair proposal” covering the duration, volume and tariffs in a future transit deal, but also investment and maintenance of the system.

It was presented to Russia’s energy minister Alexander Novak and Ukraine’s foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin as well as the heads of Russian giant Gazprom and Ukraine’s Naftogaz.

The new tripartite talks in May will come after the presidential election in Ukraine, whose first round is due to take place on March 31.

“Russia is playing for time and waiting for political change in Ukraine,” Klimkin tweeted.

Klimkin said Ukraine wanted a contract under EU rules because it has adopted European legislation, whereas Russia was pushing for one under old regulations.

In a tweet released by his ministry, Novak said “the existing legislation allows Ukraine to extend the existing contracts”.

Novak added: “We have time until the end of the year to agree approaches on gas transit from January 1, 2020.”

Sefcovic said it was “important” that Novak had stressed that Russia is ready to continue using the Ukraine transit route.

Concerns have grown about the supply route amid Russia-Ukraine tensions. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and has backed rebels in eastern Ukraine fighting forces from Kiev. 

In disputes in 2006 and 2009, Moscow cut supplies to Ukraine during the winter, sparking knock-on shortages in Europe, especially in many of the former communist eastern states which still depend on Russia for nearly all their energy needs.

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