EU warns of legal action over gas

The European Commission has warned Russian and Ukrainian gas companies of legal action over a dispute which has left many Europeans without heat.

Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said he would advise EU energy companies to sue unless Gazprom and Naftogaz move fast to restore supplies.

Bulgarian, Slovak and Moldovan prime ministers have held talks in Moscow and Kiev but the deadlock remains.

Supplies remain cut off because of a row between Russia and Ukraine.

'Matter of urgency'

Mr Barroso told the European Parliament the dispute between Ukraine and Russia was "most unacceptable and incredible".

He said if agreements, sponsored by the European Union, are not observed "as a matter of urgency", he would advise energy companies that have deals with Gazprom and Naftogaz, to file lawsuits against them.


Credits: BBC