Mr. Sechin said that the Russian and the European Union delegations would discuss a wide range of energy issues during the meeting, including the problem of intermediaries. "We have a lot on the agenda for today, including the supply and transit of energy resources to Europe. Recently we have focused on the problem of intermediaries, which have had a negative impact on both pricing and stability. We will also discuss electricity and atomic energy," the deputy prime minister said.

The deputy prime minister emphasised that Russia and the EU had similar positions on several issues, especially diversifying supply routes for unprocessed energy resources.

According to the deputy prime minister, Russia has already begun construction on the Nord Stream gas pipeline. "Construction on the Nord Stream gas pipeline has practically begun. And this is the exact issue, where our positions are the same", he said.

"Last years' events have shown that it is vital to diversify supply routes. This is simply an economic rather than a political issue." Mr. Sechin said. The deputy prime minister also noted that the project would provide a stable supply of energy resources to Europe and bring energy security to European consumers.