The planned extension of the Nord Stream gas pipeline between Russia and Germany is not without controversy. Given Gazprom’s stated desire to circumvent Ukraine, many other Central and Eastern European nations eye the pipeline with concern, afraid of the impact that it may have on their position as transit states. However, this is not the only concern with respect to Nord Stream 2. The regulatory issues concerning the OPAL pipeline – the onshore section that connects to the Nord Stream pipeline – remain unresolved. European Commissioner for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic has also was quick to react that the expansion of Nord Stream must comply with EU legislation.
What does this mean for the pipeline and Gazprom’s plans? Polish website Biznes Alert spoke about the matter with Sijbren de Jong. The full interview (in Polish) can be read here.