1. Past market performance

Almost all European countries have relied on gas imports right from the beginning of the development of their gas markets. A few countries are net exporters. Some other countries have indigenous production, so they have to import only a part of their gas consumption. All countries are interconnected with at least two other national transportation systems. Some countries, like Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria and Germany are key countries for the transit of gas from large producing areas to the markets.

Security of natural gas supply has to be maintained in a market that closely links producers and customers in different countries via transmission, transportation and distribution networks.

No interruption of any significance has taken place during the past decades. Europe’s main gas suppliers have proven records of supplying under long-term contracts. With its track record the gas industry has set a standard for the future.