Shutterstock

Though negotiations have been underway for months, deputy PM Waldemar Pawlak is expected to once again, on September 6, try to convince Brussels that Poland's new arrangement with Russia is in keeping with EU law.

The European Commission could agree to Poland's new gas agreement with Russia when Polish Gaz System, the state's gas distribution operator, commences supervision of the Yamal pipeline. EuRoPol Gaz, the current owner of the pipeline, is expected to apply to the Energy Regulatory Office (URE) to hand over supervision of the pipeline to Gaz System on September 10, a day before the EU deadline.

Handing over supervision to Gaz System is only the first step in bringing the Yamal pipeline in line with EU regulations, but would be enough for the EU to OK the pipeline. Meanwhile, Polish gas reserves are expected to last only until about October 20.

Poland AM