EU bodies agree to compromise in the case of Nord Stream 2

EU countries, the European Parliament and the European Commission have agreed on a recast of the Directive on natural Gas. This provisional compromise clears the way for the gas pipeline "Nord Stream 2". The Pipeline from Russia to Germany, other EU countries, controversial. the

In the dispute over new rules for pipeline projects such as Nord Stream 2 there is a preliminary agreement reached by the EU countries and the European Parliament with the EU Commission. This, the EU Commission announced on Wednesday night.

the operator of The new gas pipeline from Russia to Germany must make additional requirements in focus. But the project of the Russian state company Gazprom will not slow down for that, I guess.

proposed by The EU Commission in 2017, with a view to Nord Stream 2 is a Modification of the EU Gas Directive. Accordingly, the EU rules apply for Pipelines that lead from third countries into the EU - and not only for lines within the EU.

So, among other things, ownership and operation must not be in one Hand. In addition, operators competitors must grant access.

exceptions, continue to apply

Germany wanted to prevent an upgrade of the Gas Directive, because they threatened to make the Federal government's view, Nord Stream 2 is uneconomical. Ultimately, the Federal government accepted to fight with France last week, in the circle of the EU-countries, the principle - albeit with some special rules.

This should according to the information from the negotiation circles even after the compromise with the negotiators of the European Parliament apply. The rules allowed it, that Germany is not alone, there are about exceptions, it was said by the parties Involved. The Commission should examine agreements between governments, however.

The provisional agreement must still be formally approved by the Council of the member countries and the European Parliament. Then the Change of the Gas Directive will be final.

Commission emphasizes participation

The Commission was happy with the solution. The so-amended Gas Directive, fulfilling the original objectives, said the Brussels authority. The exceptions to the rules for the EU energy market only under strict conditions, the Commission, co-determine essential. The advanced rules are on the EU area apply also in the territorial waters. The application of the rules of the EU internal market will be monitored by the Commission.

Nord Stream 2 is for years a highly controversial one. The Federal government, the project is good. A number of EU countries and the United States reject it. On Tuesday, US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had renewed his criticism of the Pipeline.

The United States and denounced Russia's influence in Europe, and also have economic interests in the sale of LPG in Europe. The line will be built alongside the existing route, Nord Stream is about 1,200 kilometers through the Baltic sea. A good part is already finished, by the end of 2019, the project is scheduled to go into operation.