Aleksandr Medvedev, Gazprom Deputy CEO, shared with Russia Today the company's European expansion plans.
Aleksandr Medvedev: Obviously, Germany is priority number one for us because we have already established there, but among other markets I would mention the UK, Italy and countries of Eastern Europe. Russia Today: As Gazprom’s expansion is blocked in some countries of the European Union, will the company try to buy stakes in smaller regional operators? A.M.: This is not a question of size, this is the question of efficiency. And actually we are taking into account both the general principles and the specifics of every particular country. RT: Gazprom meets some resistance from the European politicians as it tries to move to the European markets. Do you think this resistance is justified and what is its essence? A.M.: Some politicians – not to mention mass media – are making waves that Gazprom should not be allowed to show up in Europe. But in reality our co-operation with European industrial partners is already rather developed. And putting into danger our investment plans will actually negatively influence the energy security in Europe. So that is why I believe that both politicians and mass media should be more responsible because their task is not to deteriorate business, but to help business develop. RT: At the Russian Economic Forum in St. Petersburg you have mentioned that Gazprom would be potentially interested in the Kovykta gas field. If and when the issue with TNK BP’s licence is resolved, would you potentially be interested in buying the licence at an auction? A.M.: We have been discussing the future of Kovykta for more than two years now and I believe that we have shared the basic idea that Kovykta would not be considered separately from other projects in Eastern Siberia and the Far East. Our general interest is related to overall coordination of the programme of the development of Eastern Siberia and the Far East. But the time when Kovykta could become a feasible project, and ways to use the Kovykta reserves – probably it could take some time to incorporate it into the overall programme.