Ukraine and Moldova have formally asked the European Union to help in negotiations over a gas dispute with Russia, the EU's energy chief said today, saying he was favourable to the idea.
Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said the presidents of Moldova and Ukraine had requested the EU's help in a written communication.
"They called upon the EU to take initiative in facilitating in the negotiation process between Ukraine and Moldova and (the) Russian Federation," he said in an interview.
"I think (the) EU definitely is interested to facilitate the negotiation process," he said. "But we definitely ... need also involvement of Russia."
He did not clarify what the role of "facilitation" would involve.
Piebalgs said talks between Russia and Ukraine had restarted in Moscow. An agreement between the two sides was necessary for stable transport of gas to the 25-nation bloc, he said.