It is impossible to resolve energy issues facing Europe without Russian gas supplies, Director General of Serbia’s natural gas provider Srbijagas (or Serbiagas) Dusan Bajatovic told reporters during an energy roundtable in the city of Novi Sad, Trend reports referring to TASS. "It is impossible to solve the European gas equation without Russia," he said, adding that Serbian and other countries of the region had contracts with Russia’s Gazprom valid until 2020-2022. According to Bajatovic, the year 2020 will be crucial, when gas supplies through Ukraine will end. "Everyone has technical and other solutions so that no one is left without gas," the Srbijagas director general said. When asked whether gas pipeline projects were consistent with the EU requirements, Bajatovic noted that Serbia abided by the national energy law, which was in line with the European Union’s Third Energy Package. "France, Germany, Austria, who have extended contracts with Russia, as well as … [Read more...] about Impossible to resolve Europe’s energy issues without Russia
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Special-purpose vehicle of Iran & Europe to be implemented soon
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15 By Taleh Mursagulov - Trend: The European Union (EU) intends to complete the preparation of the special-purpose vehicle (SPV) to maintain relations with Iran after the recent US sanctions, Tarja Cronberg, the ex Labour Minister of Finland and the chair of the European Parliament delegation for relations with Iran, said at a meeting with Gholamhossein Shafei, President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture (ICCIMA), Trend reports via Iranian media. She noted that some countries have ceased their cooperation with Iran, and many others are also planning to do so. The EU is willing to implement the SPV soon, so that import and export operations between Iran and other countries can be carried out smoothly, Cronberg said. "The UK and France are strictly working on this SPV. It is a new experience for both Iran and Europe. Though, lately, there has been a slight delay in the process," she said. Shafei noted that the implementation of the … [Read more...] about Special-purpose vehicle of Iran & Europe to be implemented soon
New Year’s Eve: 10 last-minute city breaks in Europe
Budapest Why go Hungary’s capital sparkles in winter and likes to party, so it’s a great place to see in the new year. There’s festive cheer on tap, with fairylight-strewn streets, chestnut sellers and ice-skating in City Park (the largest rink in Europe), to a backdrop of Vajdahunyad Castle. The Christmas markets on Vorosmarty Square and at the Basilica run until 1 January, with concerts, folk dancing and stalls selling mulled wine or pálinka (fruit brandy) and traditional chimney cake (cinnamon and sugar-coated dough). New Year’s Eve (Szilveszter) is celebrated with fireworks over the Danube, and it’s worth booking one of the many river cruises with dinner and DJs. Fisherman’s Bastion at Buda Castle offers a near-perfect panorama over the city (free and open 24/7, but likely to be crowded). Historic thermal baths offer respite from the winter cold (and help for hangovers). Some, like Széchenyi Baths, host hedonistic spa parties – on … [Read more...] about New Year’s Eve: 10 last-minute city breaks in Europe
16 of the warmest places to visit in Europe this winter
Want to escape the sub zero temperatures of Surrey? You don't need to travel to the other side of the world for some winter sun. There are plenty of warm countries in Europe - perfect for a last-minute break. With a flying time of just a few hours, and with direct flights from Gatwick and Heathrow airports, jetting off at this time of year sounds more and more appealing. We've made a list of some of the warmest places to visit in Europe during December, January and February. With average daytime temperatures hovering between 16°C and 20°C, why not swap your festive sweater for those pool side flipflops and hop on a plane to sunnier climes? 1. Gibraltar, Spain Average daytime temperature - 17°C 2. Lisbon, Portugal Average daytime temperature - 16°C 3. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands Average daytime temperature - 18°C 4. Cyprus Average daytime temperature - 17°C 5. Tenerife, Canary Islands Average daytime temperature - 19°C 6. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands … [Read more...] about 16 of the warmest places to visit in Europe this winter
Ulster do double over Scarlets in Europe
Ulster boosted their European Champions Cup knockout qualification hopes with a back-to-back bonus point win over Scarlets in Belfast. The 30-15 success - with 15 points coming from scrumhalf John Cooney (try, two penalties, two conversions) will keep Ulster in second place before the final two rounds of the competition next month.Head coach Dan McFarland reflects on the latest win. Dan McFarland: Ulster head coach "satisfied" with maximum double over Scarlets in Europe … [Read more...] about Ulster do double over Scarlets in Europe