But even if the European Commission proves there are violations it can take years before the fines will be imposed on Gazprom, Nazarov added.The EU has been trying to diversify its gas supply after disputes involving Russia and Ukraine – a key transit country for Russian gas to Europe – led to supply disruptions last winter. In a separate move last year, EU authorities adopted new polices such as separating energy production from distribution, aimed at reducing Gazprom's presence in the market.The new policy – the so-called third energy package – was criticized by Russian authorities and experts, who say it will increase uncertainty in the European energy market. Gazprom said it is considering lobbying the European Commission to get an exemption from the third energy package.The launch of the investigation has already been supported by Polish authorities.