European Commission to study Hungary's, Slovakia's letter on oil transit halted by Ukraine - spokesperson

BRUSSELS. July 23 (Interfax) - European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis received a joint letter from the Hungarian and Slovak foreign ministers on July 22 concerning Ukraine's decision to halt the transportation of oil supplied by Russia's Lukoil oil company via its territory, European Commission Spokesperson Olof Gill said.

"We are currently studying the content of this letter and gathering more information before taking any decision. At the moment, there is no immediate impact on the security of oil supply to the EU," Gill said at a press briefing in Brussels on Tuesday.

As usual, the European Commission is monitoring the matter through the Oil Coordination Group and remains closely in touch with the Hungarian and Slovak authorities, he said.

"The [European] Commission stands ready to support the impacted member states in finding the solution together with Ukraine," he said, adding that Brussels also remains in touch with Kiev.

"Only the European Union, not individual member states, [...] may initiate any further actions and proceedings," Gill said.

Hungary and Slovakia have demanded a Trade Policy Committee meeting be arranged on Wednesday to address the matter closely and receive more information, he said.

As reported, Hungary and Slovakia stopped receiving pipeline oil from Lukoil shipped via the Druzhba pipeline due to a transit ban imposed by Ukraine. Kiev tightened sanctions on Lukoil last month, thus effectively banning oil transport to Central Europe across Ukraine via the Druzhba pipeline. Lukoil is a major crude supplier to Hungary and Slovakia.

The Trade Policy Committee consults and helps the European Commission to negotiate general trade policy agreements with third countries and international organizations on the EU's behalf. It is also in charge of preparations for the signing of trade and investment agreements by the Council of the EU.