"To cheer ourselves a little. Consultants are working with us on negotiations with the European Commission. One of the consultants has advised us to study in detail the book 50 Shades of Grey."

Gazprom Management Committee's Deputy Chair Alexander Medvedev summarizing the keys to success of the negotiating team authorized by the Russian energy giant to carry out talks with the EU Commission over gas deliveries and large-scale infrastructure projects.

Last week Brussels accused the gas concern of abusing its dominant position on Easter Europe's market, a claim the company consistently denies. Gazprom has about eleven weeks to deliver a response.