BRUSSELS, Jan. 31 – The Ukrainian gas transport system, if it is upgraded by a trilateral consortium between Ukraine, Russia and the EU, will be more effective than the construction of a whole new system through the Black Sea (South Stream), EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger said at a press conference in Brussels on Tuesday.

While commenting on the long-term intentions to create a trilateral gas consortium between Ukraine, Russia and the EU, the commissioner said that he "would indeed welcome in the long run clear relations between Ukraine and the EU, Ukraine and Russia, plus a trilateral format."