Natural Gas Europe had the pleasure to interview Igor Taranic, Centre for European Policy Studies, Brussels. We spoke about East Med gas and Brussels' role in supporting efforts of Mediterranean countries to explore and produce gas. "In February 2015, the Commission’s Energy Union Package emphasised the importance of the Mediterranean for the EU. In mid-June, just a couple of weeks ago, the Commission initiated the launch of the Union for Mediterranean Gas Platform, which can serve to stimulate a dialogue between the EU and East Med potential suppliers. These are positive signals for all the parties" he said during the interview, adding that the EU could easily provide significant financial support, and "provide some risk guarantees for bank loans for private companies". Funds wouldn't be of great financial importance, but would send important messages to investors, Taranic said.