Russian Vice premier Igor Shuvalov believes that the European Union initiated investigations to force Gazprom to reduce gas prices. Low gas prices would affect development of new fields, cause gas deficit and rocketing prices in the future.
Shuvalov noted that Moscow was ready for financial support of EU states. He reminded that over half gold and currency reserves of Russia was stored in euros, over 50% of trade was realized with EU states. He predicts that financial and economic instability would continue.
The vice premier denied rumours about Russia’s focusing on the East. He called Russia a European civilization. Shuvalov called the opinion about state capitalism in Russia a stereotype, fuss about purchase of Gazprom shares by Rosneft poor knowledge of the true reasons for the deal.
Shuvalov says that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s Cabinet preserved the basic principles set by Putin.
