AT FULL SPEED! (A tutto gas!)

Il Primo Ministro slovacco Iveta Radicova e il suo omologo ungherese Viktor Orban hanno firmato oggi a Bratislava un accordo internazionale su un collegamento gas transfrontaliero. Un accordi di programma era stato sottoscritto già il 19 Gennaio scorso dai Sottosegretari dei due Ministeri dell‘Economia, Martin Chren per la Slovacchia e Pal Kovacs per l‘Ungheria, e successivamente approvato dal Governo slovacco il 26 Gennaio.

Il collegamento tra Slovacchia ed Ungheria rientra nel più ampio progetto di corridoio nord-sud del gas, composto di diversi singoli progetti interconnessi. Il corridoio nord-sud si connetterà ai terminali di gas in Polonia e Croazia, e quindi il gasdotto attraverserà tutti i Paesi del Gruppo di Visegrad (V4), dunque anche Slovacchia e Ungheria. La Slovacchia sta i questo modo cercando di ridurre i rischi associati a possibili interruzioni delle forniture di gas dalla Russia, cosa che portò nel Gennaio 2008 ad una crisi del gas che mise a rischio non solo il riscaldamento delle abitazioni, ma anche la produzione di non poche aziende.

L’operatore slovacco Eustream di trasporto del gas ha già avviato colloqui con la sua società partner ungherese Foldgazszalito Rt per la redazione del rispettivo accordo commerciale e dettagli tecnici. Analogo accordo sarà fatto con la Polonia, con il cui operatore di rete GAZ-System è stata firmata una lettera di intenti pochi giorni fa.

L’accordo di oggi significherà un maggior grado di indipendenza in termini di sicurezza energetica della Slovacchia, nonché quello di tutta l’Unione Europea, ha affermato il Premier slovacco Iveta Radicova dopo la firma.

Secondo la Radicova, ci sono altre aree nelle quali i due Paesi possono migliorare. «Abbiamo sollevato il problema del collegamento delle reti elettriche, e abbiamo concordato con il Premier [Orban] che porteremo avanti un accordo in questo settore simile a quello del gas», ha detto, specificando che lo ritiene un obiettivo strategico. Tra gli altri temi discussi, la prevista ripresa dei lavori di costruzione della strada che collega la R4 nella Slovacchia orientale con l‘Ungheria. «L’Ungheria ha deciso di riprendere i piani per la superstrada tra Kosice e Miskolc», ha detto Orban, aggiungendo che intende trovare un accordo con la Slovacchia anche per il nuovo ponte nei pressi della città di confine di Komarno (regione di Nitra).
(Buongiorno Slovacchia)

ASTANA SEEN FROM ROMANIA (Astana vista dalla Romania)

The State Secretary of the Romanian Ministry of Economy, Tudor Sherban, spoke in an interview with Trend Capital correspondent.

Cooperation in energy was discussed during the eighth session of the Kazakh-Romanian inter-governmental commission on trade and economic cooperation in Astana today. You mentioned two projects - "Nabucco" and "Constanta - Trieste".

How does Romania appreciate Kazakhstan's participation in two these projects?

We think that the role of Kazakhstan in the Nabucco project is very important. Kazakhstan has its own gas reserves. It is known that Kazakhstan participates in some projects in Turkmenistan. So, certain gas reserves can be directed to the "Nabucco" from there.

Moreover, part of those gas volumes, which are under contracts with Russia, can be also supplied to "Nabucco". But it will be possible with the consent of all parties. The recent visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to Turkey encourages on this regards.

As Romania is involved in "Nabucco", I think that it will be possible to agree in coordination with other partners given other projects which Russia promotes in our region (the Balkans).

Azerbaijan is important partner for us in the Caspian region. it is our reliable gas supplier. We know that Azerbaijan has expressed its intention to participate with its gas in the Nabucco project. We welcome and fully support this decision. Moreover, Azerbaijan has strategically important location in the junction of transportation routes.

I would like to inform that Romania has plans to build a new terminal in Constanta for liquefied gas storage.

How do you appreciate Kazakhstan's participation in the project pipeline 'Constanta - Trieste'?

The Kazakh side made a request to participate in the negotiations on the project a year ago. It means for us that Kazakhstan is interested in participating in this project. At present, the project of "Constanta - Trieste" pipeline is at the stage of organizing. A consortium has been already established and its head has been appointed. But, unfortunately, one of the participants of the project - Croatia has blocked the course of negotiations and actions.

But the issue concerning drawing investments will occur soon, when goals of each company from the countries-participants of the project, through which the pipeline is laid, are defined.

From our point of view, Kazakhstan will be able to participate in this project, along with Romania. If it enters with investments, it will automatically mean that Kazakhstan can have certain package of shares.

What Kazakh share is indicated in the project?

It is difficult to name any specific figure without development of feasibility study. But when it is ready, it will be known about shares of all sides after determining the cost. Kazakhstan will be able to join the project as oil supplier in future. Thus, Kazakhstan can enter the center of Europe through Romania, providing its oil via Constanta - Trieste pipeline.

It dealt with establishment of energy bridge of Batumi - Constanta at one time. What are its prospects?

We hope that the geopolitical climate in the South Caucasus will stabilize. Georgia has great importance to ensure transit routes and gas, oil and other goods supplies, to Europe. We hope that the situation will normalize, because one can not talk about politics without economy, and Batumi is an important transportation hub in the region.

Moreover, the Black Sea and Batumi port are direct access to Europe. Therefore, stabilization of the situation in Georgia is in interests of the same Caspian countries to have direct access to the Black Sea.

How do you assess entry of the national KazMunaiGaz on the Romanian market by buying shares of Rompetrol?

Positively. At present, our companies, including the national oil company, OMV, faced with fierce competition in the person of KMG. But these are the laws of the market. It is very good. As a recommendation, I would like to advise KMG to be more transparent with the Romanian public authorities.
(Gazeta.kz)