Europe has issued a firm message to its energy suppliers that it expects reliability. This came as joint meetings were under way in Berlin between the full European commission team and the German EU presidency. Germany began its turn as head of the European Council on 1 January; Berlin’s motto is “Europe – succeeding together”.

Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso made clear references to Russia and Belarus. He said: “It is not acceptable we believe it is not acceptable for either supplier or transit countries to take measures that impact on their partners without consultation and this of course is a matter of concern for us.”

Discussions today between the Commission and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet are centring on the themes and priorities of the EU presidency’s six-month work programme.

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