Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 23rd World Gas Conference in Amsterdam, Jan Brinkhorst criticized some European countries, such as France and Spain, for their protection of energy markets.

    "Recent developments and discussions in Europe and outside show that governments may perceive open markets more as a threat than as an opportunity," Brinkhorst said.

    "Countries have tried to influence or even stop the sound and healthy process of market integration," he added.

    The Dutch minister also said collaboration between energy producers and consumers was crucial for the balanced development of energy markets.

    He warned that Europe's dependence on natural gas imports will increase to 80 percent by the year 2030 from the current 48 percent.

    Referring to the largest gas supplier to the European Union (EU), Brinkhorst said that "Russia has always been a reliable (energy) supplier and is determined to stay one."

    At present Russia supplies 26 percent of the gas consumed in the EU. But the gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine early this year raised concern about Europe's dependence on Russian energy imports.

    Russian Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko at his opening address tried to ease the concern, telling the conference that Russia would not seek national energy egoism.

    "We believe that national energy strategy ... needs to be transparent, clear to partners, and also discussed and coordinated," he said.

    More than 3,000 representatives of major gas companies and research institutions are expected to attend the five-day conference. Enditem