Council of EU Passes Amendments to Europe's Gas Directive
The Council of the European Union has approved on Monday the amendments to the EU Gas Directive, which stipulate the rules of operation of the offshore sections of gas pipelines in the European Union and, therefore, may affect the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline
BRUSSELS (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 15th April, 2019) The Council of the European Union has approved on Monday the amendments to the EU Gas Directive, which stipulate the rules of operation of the offshore sections of gas pipelines in the European Union and, therefore, may affect the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
The European Parliament passed the amendments on April 4.
"The Council today [April 15] formally adopted an amendment to the so-called gas directive which aims at closing a legal gap in the EU's regulatory framework and boosting competition in the gas market. This is the final step in the legislative process," the Council's press release said.
According to the materials of the Council, the amendments were passed without discussion. The changes will enter into force 20 days after the date of their publication in the EU's official press. The EU states have nine months to incorporate the new rules into their national legislation.
"The overall objective of the amendment to the gas directive is to ensure that the rules governing the EU's internal gas market apply to gas transmission lines between a member state and a third country, up to the border of the member state's territory and territorial sea," the press release added.
The amendments notably stipulate that the existing and future pipelines cannot be operated by the same company that produces the fuel.
"The amendment adopted today provides for the possibility of derogations for existing pipelines to and from third countries, as well as clear procedures for negotiations with third countries and for exemptions regarding new pipelines," the press release added.
Nord Stream 2 is a joint venture of Russian gas giant Gazprom and five European companies. It aims to deliver 55 billion cubic meters (1.9 trillion cubic feet) of Russian natural gas annually to the European Union.
The pipeline project has been welcomed by some countries in Europe and opposed by the others, who raise concerns over alleged danger of Europe's dependence on Russia and the subsequent diminished transit role of Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly reiterated that the pipeline is a purely commercial project.