The Commission has stated publicly on several occasions that the Nord Stream 2 project is not in line with the policy objectives of the Energy Union as it will not give access to a new supply source, it could allow a single supplier to further strengthen its position on the European Union gas market and it could lead to a concentration of supply routes.

The Commission promotes more interconnected, diversified and competitive gas markets in Europe. Initiatives such as the Southern Gas Corridor, the development of a liquid gas hub in the Mediterranean, the Central East South Europe Gas Connectivity High Level Group (CESEC) and support for Liquefied Natural Gas facilities in the EU are examples of the Commission’s endeavour to increase the diversification of supplies.

In the light of these developments and with the existing well-functioning import infrastructures, the Commission does not see the need for new gas import infrastructures of the magnitude of Nord Stream 2.

Moreover, the Commission considers that Nord Stream 2, if built, cannot and should not be operated in a legal void or solely according to the law of a third country. As a result, a special legal regime respecting fundamental principles of international and EU energy law needs to be established. To this end, the Commission will seek a mandate from the Council for an agreement with the Russian Federation on a regulatory framework.