EU – CIS, Gas, Legislation, Lithuania, Russia

"In light of the prospects for such an appeal and litigation costs and the fact that the EC's decision was significantly improved and reinforced in terms of Gazprom's commitments, taking into consideration most of Lithuania's remarks, as well as the fact that Lithuania already has an individual case against Gazprom (initiated in 2012) to protect the interests of Lithuanian consumers, we believe this is the most rational solution in the situation," the ministry said.

"We believe that the arguments laid out in the EC's decision as to the violations by Gazprom may be useful to Lithuania in the above-mentioned specific case," it said.

Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas told last Friday that contesting the decision would not bring much benefit to the country, which has sufficient means to ensure its energy security.

The Commission on July 17 formally announced its decision, adopted in May, that Gazprom might have used its dominant market position to charge higher gas prices in Lithuania and another four Central and Eastern European countries, but did not impose a fine on the Russian supplier. The countries had until Monday to appeal the decision.

The EU's executive body imposed binding obligations on Gazprom. It will face a fine of up to 10% of its annual global turnover, which amounted to around 91 bln euros in 2017, if it breaks these obligations.