Political Conditions for South Stream Not Right, Says Mogherini

In the next five years, the European Commission will revise its relations with Russia, which was also defined as a “strategic country” by EU’s next foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini during her three-hour confirmation hearing at the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee. 

Mogherini’s carrot and stick approach was welcomed with enthusiasm by European authorities. 

“I would say that we need a mix of assertiveness and diplomacy. The balance would also depend on the reaction of the bear,” Mogherini answered to a question about the relation with Russia, adding that Brussels has to work “day by day with President Poroshenko.”

Mogherini also said that the South Stream project, which was previously defined an important project for Europe, requires a different political climate.

“Political conditions are not right,” she said referring to the pipeline connecting Russia and Europe. 

Speaking about the relations with Russia, she explained that Brussels’ position has to do with the decisions taken by the Kremlin. The European strategy has also to consider Ukraine, facilitating its attempts to defuse tensions and move closer to Europe. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy and Energy communicated in a note that Dimitar Gogov has been appointed CEO of South Stream Bulgaria, replacing Vladimir Inkov to ‘protect the Bulgarian interests and ensure maximum benefits.’