EC seeks to compel Russia to comply with European rules in construction of Nord Stream-2

In a Facebook posting, the Minister noted that on November 8 the European Commission will approve the proposal to amend its Third Gas Directive (Third Energy Package, Directive 2009/73/EC on the general rules of the domestic natural gas market).

"This proposal provides for the introduction of a simple rule - gas pipelines from third countries must comply with the requirements of this Directive. The purpose of this proposal is clear - to prove to Russia all seriousness of the European Commission's intentions regarding Nord Stream-2," Zerkal wrote.

Read alsoEuropean operators eyeing lease of Ukraine's gas transport system after 2020 – media"Earlier, the European Commission initiated the conclusion with the Russian Federation of an agreement, to settle all the outstanding issues with NS2 ["Nord Stream-2"]. One of the cornerstones is taking into account the interests of Ukraine. The European Commission is aware that with the entry into force of the Association Agreement, the parties should take into account each other's interests in the development of energy markets," the deputy foreign minister noted.

She added that Russia "dismissed this idea as such, considering that no one will dare or simply be able to compel them to comply with European rules in constructing NS2."

Read alsoGazprom's subsidiary throws almost $1 mln to lobby Nord Stream 2 in U.S."As we can see, the European Commission actually dared. Whether it will be able to will depend on the debate in the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. The story with the approval of visa-free travel shows how difficult it is sometimes to pass a decision in the EU. Therefore, the work on advocating the interests of Ukraine in the energy sector will move to a new level of intensity," the diplomat said.

"And another thing is that, if approved, these changes will concern not only NS2, but also the Ukrainian GTS [gas transmission system]. This will be another legal reminder of our obligations under the Association Agreement and those in the framework of the Energy Community," Zerkal added.

UNIAN memo. Nord Stream-2 project involves the construction of two strings of a gas pipeline from the Russian coast via the Baltic Sea to Germany. The operator of construction Nord Stream 2 AG (where Gazprom is the sole shareholder) and five European partners Shell, OMV, Engine, Uniper, and Wintershall finance the project. Gazprom provides 50% of the production budget of Nord Stream 2, while the rest companies cover 10% each.

In late October, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch said that the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline would deprive Ukraine of $2.7 billion in transit revenues per year, which is equivalent to 3% of the country's GDP.