EU/UKRAINE : LEADERS TAKE STEPS TO AVOID RECURRENCE OF GAS CRISIS.

Stressing that they have learnt the lesson from the recent gas crisis, the EU and Ukraine have exchanged reassurances of their mutual commitment to deepen cooperation in the energy field. Visiting Brussels for the first time following the gas row with Russia, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko pledged, on 27 January, to fully respect the agreement reached with Moscow that restarted gas flows to EU countries last week. He admitted, however, that the deal signed, on 19 January, by his domestic political rival, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, was "not easy". European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, in turn, expressed the Union's full commitment to take concrete steps to help Ukraine modernise its transit and electricity network and "gradually" integrate it with the European system. Both moves are meant to bring back stability and help Ukraine regain the trust of EU clients. "We are all determined that this does not become an annual event," said Barroso, commenting on the gas supply disruption.

Turning to details, Barroso said Ukraine should as soon as possible join the European Energy Community - a body created in 2005 to ensure close cooperation within the EU and among some neighbouring countries and to liberalise the sector - as well as integrate its electricity grid with those of EU member states from Central Europe. Both officials agreed that above all Ukraine has to upgrade and modernise its pipeline network as well as link it better with the EU's wholesale gas system. To this end, the Commission will...