Only the German authorities can take the decision to halt the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to link Russia and Germany, the European Commission stressed on Tuesday 23 February during a debate with MEPs from the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).
Although it is obviously “regulated by the European legal framework”, Nord Stream 2 is “subject to national law” of Germany, which implies that stopping its construction “would require a decision at the national level”, thus explained Ditte Juul-Jørgensen, Director General of the European Commission’s Energy Department (DG ENER).
It is therefore “not possible” for the Commission to prohibit the completion of the project “through European energy law”, she went on to say, in response to repeated requests from the European Parliament to immediately suspend Nord Stream 2 (see EUROPE 12641/8).
Stressing that Nord Stream 2 “is not needed” for the security of gas supply of the Union as a whole, Ms Juul-Jørgensen further assured that in case of “any attempt to circumvent European law”, the Commission would “be ready to take the necessary actions”.
Put on hold following US sanctions, the construction of the gas pipeline has recently resumed and is now in the completion phase (see EUROPE 12654/25). (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)