The Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline will be built despite the possibility of amendments to the EU Gas Directive coming into force. This was announced by the Russian permanent representative Vladimir Chizhov.

The amendments to the EU Gas Directive were agreed on the night of February 13, 2019 at the talks of representatives of the European Parliament, the EU Council and the EC. When asked whether it could happen that this Directive would come into force before the commissioning of the gas pipeline, Vladimir Chizhov said that "there may be different options, but the gas pipeline will be built."

"According to the bill, "all future gas pipelines from non-EU countries, including Nord Stream-2, will have to comply with the EU rules," - head of the EP Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Jerzy Buzek reported. The Buzek's statement is given in the message of the European Parliament, with the possibility of granting exceptions to the rules of the updated EU Gas Directive for gas pipelines under certain conditions.

The text of the bill will be prepared in all EU languages for final approval by the European Parliament and the Council of EU countries, the RIA Novosti reported.

After adoption by both legislators, the new law should be published in the official journal of the Union. The updated Directive should then enter into force 20 days after such publication. EU countries will have to implement its rules in national legislation within 9 months.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Rusmininfo