Energy, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Gas, Legislation

On Wednesday, the negotiations held in the Estonian economy ministry between the European Commission, Alexela Energia, Finnish gas company Gasum, EG Võrguteenused and representatives of the ministries of Estonia and Finland, were a failure. The time for the next round of talks is not known, but it must be preceded by a meeting between the representatives of Gasum and Alexela, said the ministry of economy.

On Wednesday, the Estonian officials hoped that the agreement for establishing a joint venture of Alexela Energia and Gasum would be reached, which would enable to start building a regional LNG terminal in both Estonia and Finland. But unlike Alexela, who would be ready to begin construction right now, the Finns have not even reached the necessary studies in their shore of the sea. That difference in stages became fatal at today's meeting, the ministry's source said.

The large LNG terminal, which will be largely financed by the European Union, must free the Baltic countries and Finland from Gazprom's monopoly.