Brussels, 02/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - Although not itself involved in the environmental impact study on the 'Nordstream' plan by Germany and Russia to build a gas pipeline across the Baltic Sea, the European Commission will nevertheless be monitoring the project very closely to ensure it does not damage the Baltic ecosystem, explained the president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, on Friday during a visit to Vilnius, Lithuania, where he met with the Lithuanian prime minister Gediminas Kirlilas. 'It is a very important issue for the entire Baltic region,' Barroso said at a press conference, adding that 'the European Commission is following this project very carefully to make sure it is performed according to environmental regulations.' The environmental impact study is expected to be completed in the autumn, and will show whether Nordstream is likely to damage the environment. As long as it respects environmental rules and preserves the fragile Baltic ecosystem, the new infrastructure will be welcome, said Ferran Tarradellas, a spokesperson for the EU energy commissioner. Nordstream is coming under intense pressure from environmentalists in three Baltic States (Poland, Sweden and Finland) due to environmental concerns. Kirkilas shared his concerns over the risks of building this underwater pipeline with Barroso, particularly the dangers connected with the chemical weapons stored under the Baltic during the Second World War. (eh)