The European Parliament condemns the principles of gas pricing formation by Russia. This was discussed at an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament delegation for relations with Ukraine in Brussels (Belgium) on January 11, according to "Ukrainian News". \n \nAs stated in the message from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the meeting discussed the consequences of the gas dispute between Ukraine and Russia. \n \nMembers of the European Parliament noted the lack of clarity in the formation of gas prices by the Russian side and emphasized the need to prevent political blackmail in the gas dispute with Ukraine. \n \nThe deputies also discussed the need to find financial instruments to assist Ukraine in implementing energy-saving technologies, in particular through the financial institutions of the European Union. They also called on European countries that use Russian gas to diversify sources and routes of gas supply, as well as to review the overall policy of gas use. \n\nThe Head of Ukraine's Mission to the EU, Roman Shpek, noted that Ukraine has clearly fulfilled its obligations regarding the transit of Russian gas to the EU. Shpek also said that as a result of the gas dispute, Ukraine has proven its readiness to be a responsible and reliable partner that behaves in accordance with civilized norms and strictly adheres to the commitments it has undertaken. \n\n"We must all conclude that the diversification of gas supply routes unites us in our common goal - to reduce dependence on a single supplier and the unpredictable behavior of Russia. For this we have an instrument - the Memorandum of Understanding between Ukraine and the EU after cooperation in the energy sphere, which was signed on December 1, 2005," said Shpek. \n \nAs reported, Ukraine agreed with Russia to increase from January 1 the gas transit rate from 1.09 dollars to 1.6 dollars per 1 thousand cubic meters per 100 kilometers. The countries also agreed on gas supplies to Ukraine at 95 dollars per 1 thousand cubic meters (instead of 50 dollars in 2005).