Lithuania Reacts to Permission Granted by Germany to Build Nord Stream-2

The EU authorities need to formulate a principled position on the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline and similar projects involving third countries, - stated Minister of Energy of Lithuania, Zhigimantas Vaichunas, according to Elta Agency.

Minister Vaichunas, commented on the permission the Federal Republic of Germany issued for the construction and use of a 55-kilometer section of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline in the territorial waters of the country. He believes that this is the right of the German government in accordance with the current legislation. Vaichunas also stressed that the discussion surrounding construction of the gas pipeline is “not over yet.”

Vaichunas noted that there is a need to revise the distribution of the EU directive, that “the European community needs a unified position.” He went on to call for a decision to be made regarding the European authorities’ demands for such projects and involved infrastructure belonging to third countries.

At this stage we may recall that the Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier highlighted the economic benefits for the EU from the implementation of Nord Stream. He stressed that the gas pipeline is purely a commercial project and is not directed against anyone, instead aiming to promote the development of the energy market.

By Dimitri Dolaberidze