EU could back South Stream gas project: Commissioner

(SOFIA) - The EU could lend its support to Russia's massive South Stream gas pipeline plan as well as the rival EU-led Nabucco project because of growing energy demand, a top EU commissioner said Tuesday.

"South Stream could be backed by the European Commission on condition that it meets the technical requirements for security," Commissioner Gunther Oettinger said on the sidelines of an energy forum in Bulgaria.

"South Stream will increase the capacity for gas imports (to Europe) and set up a new infrastructure supply network," Oettinger said, adding that current supplies were not sufficient to cover European gas demand over the long term.

Speaking at the forum itself, Oettinger said: "The European Union's priority is clear. We want to develop the southern corridor. The European Union wants a direct connection to the Caspian and the Middle East region."

He also mentioned possible support for the White Stream project to link Georgia and the EU, the ITGI pipeline to bring Azeri gas to Italy via Turkey and Greece and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline from Greece to Italy.

The South Stream project is meant to maintain Russia's position as Europe's dominant gas supplier, while Nabucco would bring Caspian gas directly to Europe avoiding dependence on Russian gas supplies and transit.

Oettinger said the EU wanted to have a firm decision on Nabucco this year, adding: Nabucco will not only boost supply capacity but it will also bring new suppliers to Europe, increase diversification and independence."

But his comments came amid strong criticism from Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, who lashed out at the European Union and the United States for paying Nabucco only lip service.

"All countries in Western Europe and the United States have declared the project a priority. But, what I see is that it is a priority only in words," he said.

"The US and the European Commission must make it clear why this project is still at point zero."