The chairman of the board of Naftogaz notes that such certification would also contradict the norms of the EU’s third energy package.
This was stated by Chairman of the National Joint Stock Company “Naftogaz of Ukraine” Yuri Vitrenko / Illustration REUTERS
Germany must proceed from the principle of European solidarity, as well as take into account the recent decision of the EU court on the OPAL gas pipeline when considering the application of the Nord Stream-2 operator for certification.
This was stated by the Chairman of the Board of the National Joint Stock Company “Naftogaz of Ukraine” Yuriy Vitrenko in an interview with Radio Svoboda .
“The principle of solidarity, which is confirmed by the decision of the European Court of Justice on OPAL, must be applied by the German regulator. Previously, the German regulator did not want to apply it. He said: we only look at Germany, we do not care what happens in other countries. said: “No! The German regulator is obliged to take into account the interests of other countries,” Vitrenko was quoted as saying by Naftogaz’s press service.
He stressed that the launch of Nord Stream 2 will harm not only Ukraine but also a number of other countries in the region.
“Even if we say: well, Germany is an EU country, and Ukraine is not yet an EU country, but Poland is. The Ukrainian gas pipeline goes to Germany via Slovakia and Austria, via Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and also through Poland. These are EU countries! And these are our geopolitical partners – together we will make sure that both the German regulator and the European Commission this time ensure compliance with the principle of solidarity, which just approved the European Court, making a decision. It is very timely and very important for Ukraine. ” , – the chairman of the board of “Naftogaz” told.
He stressed that the certification of the Nord Stream-2 operator would also contradict the norms of the EU’s third energy package.
“This company is controlled by Gazprom and Putin (the president of the Russian Federation). And European law just says that a group of people or one person can not control both the production and transportation of gas. This is written even in a joint statement by the United States and Germany – they say that will do everything to ensure that European legislation and the Third Energy Package are applied both to the letter of the law and to the spirit of the law. They must ensure that this operator is not certified, as it will not be truly independent, “Vitrenko said.
He also reminded that Russia, contrary to European legislation, blocks access of third parties to gas transportation both through its “flows” and through the Ukrainian route.
“Nord Stream 2 will not provide free access to third parties – so that all companies can transport gas from Russia through this pipeline to Germany, not just Gazprom – we will insist on this,” added the chairman of the board of Naftogaz. “.
Negotiations on Nord Stream 2: what you need to know
On July 21, the US Embassy in Ukraine issued a joint US-German statement in support of Ukraine, European energy security and common climate goals.
According to the agreements, the United States and Germany promise not to allow Russia to use energy as a weapon against Ukraine.
Germany intends to appoint a Special Envoy to support negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation on continuing the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe for up to 10 years.
Germany will establish a “Green Fund” for Ukraine and will encourage foreign investment of up to $ 1 billion. Germany also intends to develop bilateral energy projects with Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the Ukrainian side would like the wording on security for Ukraine in the joint statement of Germany and the United States on Nord Stream-2 to be stronger.
History of the gas pipeline:
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two branches of a gas pipeline with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. The pipeline operator is Nord Stream 2 AG, founded by Russia’s Gazprom. The project is funded by European companies – French Engie, Austrian OMV, British-Dutch Shell, German Uniper and Wintershall.
The Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline is already 99% built. The new pipeline bypassing Ukraine was planned to be completed by the end of 2019, along with the existing Nord Stream-1.
Construction of the pipeline was suspended due to US sanctions against contractors, but resumed in February 2021. Nord Stream 2 AG decided to complete it on their own.
(C)UNIAN 2021