The ministers met with European Commissioner for Energy Günther Öttinger. Brussels has noted that all agreements with Russia in the matter of the South stream violate EU law and therefore called for new negotiations between these countries and Moscow.

According to Öttinger three topics are problematic: the breach of the principle of separation of production and distribution of gas as well as third party access to the pipeline and an inadequate pricing and charges for the use of the pipeline.

Meanwhile all involved countries have mandated the Commission to negotiate with Russia on possible amendments to the contracts on their behalf.