Germany's authorities say that gas transit via Ukraine "must have a future" despite the construction of Nord Stream 2.
Asked whether any political obstacles to the project remain after the Danish decision, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said: "We have always said that there is a political dimension to Nord Stream 2, and we have always said that gas transit through Ukraine must have a future," according to The Associated Press.
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Seibert noted that Merkel discussed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin two days ago, and said Germany continues to support three-way talks between Russia, Ukraine and the European Commission on gas transit.
As was reported earlier, the Danish Energy Agency issued a permit to Nord Stream 2 to construct a 147-km section of the twin pipeline southeast of the Danish island Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream 2 will have to wait another month before the permit can be used, according to Danish law which gives parties the option to lodge complaints for up to four weeks after the decision, the DEA said.
