EU:German chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Russia's decision to close a pipeline supplying oil to the EU yesterday was eroding trust between the two blocs.
In tough criticism of Moscow, Dr Merkel also said it was unacceptable that Russia and Belarus had acted without consulting the EU over a dispute between both states that has led to cuts in oil supplies to several European countries this week.
"It's unacceptable when there are no consultations on such actions," said Dr Merkel, referring to the shutdown of the Druzhba pipeline by the Russian authorities on Monday. "That erodes trust and it makes it difficult to build a co-operative relationship based on trust. . . such consultations are the bare minimum needed," she added.
Dr Merkel's comments reflect growing impatience with Russia among EU states, which rely on Moscow for 25 per cent of their oil supplies. They also illustrate the tougher stance Berlin has taken toward Russia since Dr Merkel took over as chancellor from Gerhard Schröder.
Mr Schröder was a close political ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin and now chairs a German-Russian gas pipeline project.
Speaking after a joint cabinet meeting with the 27 members of the European Commission, Dr Merkel said Russia had been a reliable strategic energy partner for the EU even during the Cold War. But she said it now should consult with its partners over these types of energy problems.
She also said the EU and Russia needed to agree new language defining their energy relationship when they begin talks on a new strategic partnership agreement.
Negotiations on such an agreement have been held up for months because of a Russian trade embargo on Polish meat products that has caused Warsaw to veto talks. But Dr Merkel said she hoped these could begin within the next few months.
Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said the cut-off in the oil supply from Russia was a matter for concern. "While there is no immediate risk to supply, it is not acceptable for suppliers or transit countries to take measures without consultation," added Mr Barroso, who said it highlighted the need for a common EU energy policy.
Today Mr Barroso will propose policies designed to tackle climate change, develop a common EU energy policy and boost competition in the sector. A crucial issue for the new policy is whether the commission will try to force the unbundling of energy supply infrastructure from electricity service firms. Berlin opposes any EU-wide action that could lead to the forced division of German energy firms.
Meanwhile, at the joint cabinet meeting, German ministers and the commissioners discussed a range of priority areas for action during Germany's six-month tenure as EU president.
Dr Merkel played down expectations of achieving a major breakthrough on the constitution over the next six months. She said she saw it as an "uphill battle", but that it was an issue the German presidency would like to give a "small impetus" to.