Russia is informed of the new EC negotiator.

Maroš Šefčovič replaces Guenther Oettinger.

Guenther Oettinger, for many years representing the EU in the gas dialogue with Russia, concedes that role to the Slovak, Maroš Šefčovič. The task of the latter is to create a European Energy Union, the main objective of which should be the elimination of EU dependence on Russian gas. Mr. Oettinger once declared the same goal, but his views changed gradually, and he acted in the role of pragmatic arbitrator at the last gas talks with Moscow and Kiev. Russian sources of "the Kommersant" generally speak about the work of Günter Oettinger with respect, while saying that "it could be worse" about his successor.