As a result of Russia’s changing position towards Turkey over the Turkish Stream construction, Ankara has announced that it will not make concessions to Russia on this project. Thus, Turkey actually refused to transit the Russian gas.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has recently said that Russia hopes to sign an intergovernmental agreement on the Turkish Stream after the Turkish Cabinet of Ministers is formed.

"The intergovernmental agreement has not been signed yet,” Medvedev said. “The reason is that there is no government in Turkey."

But in fact, there is also another reason of not signing the intergovernmental agreement.
The main reason is Russia’s position towards Turkey over the Turkish Stream construction.

Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz said that Moscow and Ankara discussed the issue of creating a joint gas distribution network.

The minister said that initial agreements were reached between the two sides on this issue, but unfortunately, Russia changed its position.

“Additional time is required for this project implementation,” he said.

While Russia is waiting for the formation of a new Turkish government to resolve the Turkish Stream construction issues, Ankara has already determined the energy priorities.

A source in the Turkish government has recently told Trend that Ankara intends to acquire a share in the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).

“The acquisition of a stake in TAP is a historic chance for Turkey, which Ankara does not intend to lose,” the source said. “This issue is being considered.”

If we compare the conditions offered by Moscow to Ankara in the Turkish Stream project, it is possible to say that Turkey`s priority is to acquire a stake in TAP project as Statoil intends to sell its 20 percent stake in this project.

At present, the Turkish oil and gas company TPAO has a 19 percent stake in the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz project.

Turkish Botas company with a 30 percent share is among TANAP shareholders.

If a stake in TAP project is acquired, Turkey`s position will intensify on the energy market.

This will affect the implementation of the Turkish Stream project. It is more important for Turkey to buy a share in energy projects, rather than agree with Russia’s conditions in the Turkish Stream project.

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