In the dispute over new rules for pipeline projects such as „Nord Stream 2“ EU negotiators have reached a compromise. This was announced by the European Commission during the night and welcomed the agreement with the EU member states and the European Parliament.
The operator of the new gas pipeline from Russia to Germany has to be prepared for additional conditions, but the project of the Russian state-owned company Gazprom will probably not be thwarted. „Nord Stream 2“ has been extremely controversial for years. The German government says the project is good, OMV is also involved in the financing. Several EU states and the US reject it.
Germany agreed with special rules
In 2017, the European Commission proposed an amendment to the EU Gas Directive with regard to „Nord Stream 2“. Pipelines from a third country to the European Union should be subject to the same conditions as pipelines within the EU.
So, among other possession and operation may not be in one hand. Germany wanted to prevent this, but accepted after open dispute with France last week in the circle of EU countries, the principle – but with some special rules.
„Progress towards integrated internal gas market“
The Commission was satisfied with the solution. The amended Gas Directive fulfills the original objectives, the Brussels authority said. Exceptions to the rules for the EU energy market exist only under strict conditions, over which the Commission has a decisive say. The extended rules apply to EU territory, including in territorial waters.
„This is a major step forward towards an integrated internal gas market based on solidarity and trust and fully involving the European Commission,“ said Climate Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete. „Today Europe is closing loopholes in its legal framework.“ Anyone who wants to sell natural gas in the EU must respect the European energy rules.
