European Union leaders have agreed to implement new projects in the gas sector, including the North-South corridor, the SouthernÌýGas CorridorÌýand a new gas hub in Southern Europe.
The agreement on Friday comes at a time of heightened tensionÌýbetween theÌýEUÌýand Russia, as the 28-nation bloc seeksÌýto reduce its dependency on Russian gas and increase its energy security for both electricity and gas.
Russia, theÌýEUÌýand Ukraine failed to agree on a deal on Tuesday that would supply Ukraine with Russian gas thisÌýwinter.
Without specifying details, a statement released by the European Council on Thursday said the project was also aimed at "enhancing Finland's and the Baltic States' energy security, to ensure diversification of energy suppliers and routes and ensure market functioning".
The SouthernÌýGas CorridorÌýis an initiative by the European Commission â€� the executive body of the EU responsible for implementing decisions â€� aimed atÌýsupplying gas from the Caspian region and the Middle East to Europe.
Partner countries included in the initiative includeÌýTurkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iraq and Egypt.
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By Ilgin Karlidag
Anadolu Agency