Putin Says EU Energy Law 'Uncivilised'

Energy policy caused some sharp words and obvious digs between Russia and the European Union at their summit in Brussels today.

The two parties have been conducting a war of words for months over energy supply, focusing often on the rival pipeline projects of South Stream (Russia) and Nabucco (EU). Russia provides about 25% of Europe's gas-for-power needs.

Reuters reports that there were some barbed comments from Russian president Vladimir Putin at today's meeting. At one point the Russian leader referred to EU energy law as "uncivilised".

In an official statement, Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, used diplomatic language to described the relationship between the 27-nation bloc and Russia on energy matters. But he did comment that "Some differences remain regarding some aspects of energy relations between Europe and Russia, but we believe it is possible to find concrete pragmatic solutions."

Reporters at today's meetings said Barroso made an additional long speech at the end of the summit, but Putin insisted on speaking again, and described the EU president as "emotional" and "wrong".

Moscow says EU regulations discriminate against state-controlled Gazprom gas company. EU officials have warned Gazprom that it must allow third-party gas producers to use the prospective South Stream pipeline. 

According to euobserver.com, Putin, referring to the latest EU energy package: "I believe that the third energy package which applies retroactively is a clear violation of article 34 of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement [an old EU-Russia treaty] ... It amounts to a confiscation of Russian investment in some EU countries."