Russia opens up National downstreaming Business

The news of Russia acquisitions of downstream businesses in the Balkans (Serbia, Bulgaria) spread fears of political usage of these assets, got Bulgaria to be blamed as a Troian horse within EU and were universally received as a proof of Russia will to dominate the oil business in order to blackmail EU...

As of July 8th some news have helped joining many dots in Russophobic inconsistent literature: Russia welcomed Eni as the first foreign downstream player. According to Eni sources: "Eni will become the first European player to enter the Russian gas downstream market through sale and purchase deals, [...] to achieve the target set out in the strategic plan 2008-2011 of 900 million cubic meters to be sold in 2011."

Russian Government is said to be pursuing a "gradual plan of price increases that, following the trend of world energy outlooks, will make European and internal gas prices aligned between 2011 and 2014, net of transportation costs and export taxes."

This progress might well be a benefical example of how sound economic interests can harbour and strive in Russia and perhaps help as a blueprint in the redaction of an EU Energy Treaty.