AFP - The Nabucco gas pipeline remains a priority for the European Union but the bloc could also back Russia's South Stream project, EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger said Tuesday.

"The European Union's priority is clear. We want to develop the southern corridor. The European Union wants a direct connection to the Caspian and the Middle East region," Oettinger told an energy forum in Sofia.

The key component in the southern corridor plan is the Nabucco pipeline to bring Caspian gas to Europe, thereby reducing European dependence on Russian gas supplies via Ukraine.

But Oettinger added that the EU was also ready to support pipeline projects.

He specifically mentioned the White Stream project to link Georgia and the EU, the ITGI pipeline to bring Azeri gas to Italy via Turkey and Greece and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline from Greece to Italy.

Oettinger in addition said Tuesday: "We will not ... stand in the way of South Stream."

The South Stream project is planned to maintain Russia's position as Europe's dominant gas supplier by pumping gas to Europe under the Black Sea.

"South Stream could be backed by the European Commission on condition that it meets the technical requirements for security," Oettinger said in remarks to journalists on the sidelines of the forum.

The commissioner pinpointed the insufficient capacity of the existing network to cover European gas demands over the medium and long term and the need for investment to boost energy security.

"South Stream will increase the capacity for gas imports (to Europe) and set up a new infrastructure supply network," Oettinger said.

But he then hurried to highlight Nabucco's advantages: "Nabucco will not only boost supply capacity but it will also bring new suppliers to Europe, increase diversification and independence."

Oettinger said the EU wanted to have a firm decision on Nabucco this year, which will take into consideration the interests of suppliers, transit countries and consumers.

"Nabucco will be implemented in a situation that is winning for all (parties)," he added.