According to the European Commission, the newly planned construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline does not contribute to creating a well-diversified and competitive gas market.
The pipeline cannot operate in a legal void or according to Russian laws only. If the pipeline is built, the European Commission must ensure it will be operated in a transparent and non-discriminatory way and according to the main EU energy market rules.
An appropriate degree of regulatory oversight is necessary. The European Commission plans to negotiate an agreement with Russia on applying key principles of EU energy law to Nord Stream 2 operation so as to preserve the functioning of the European internal energy market.
The Nord Stream 2 project could allow Russia to strengthen further its position on the European Union gas market and lead to a further concentration of supply routes. Building Nord Stream 2 would endanger existing transport routes via Ukraine.
The main priorities of the Energy Union include implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor, development of a liquid gas hub in the Mediterranean, and ensuring better access to liquefied natural gas and gas storage.
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