The situation on the European energy market is unable to influence the certification of the Nord Stream 2 operating company as an independent network operator, German Ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr said in an interview with Interfax.”The conclusion of the certification process is required for the pipeline to begin commercial operations, irrespective of the situation on the European energy market. We expect Gazprom to continue to fulfil all contractual obligations towards Europe, particularly in relation to gas transit through Ukraine,” von Geyr said.As reported earlier, the German Federal Network Agency started to process the application from the Nord Stream 2 operating company as an independent operator on September 8. The processing has been suspended as Bundesnetzagentur decided that a subject of its regulation could be only a German subsidiary of the Swiss-based Nord Stream 2 AG, which should be the owner and operator of the German part of the pipeline. The Polish company PGNiG and the Ukrainian opponents of the Project, Naftogaz and Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine, have received access to the certification process. The application processing deadline has been moved to the middle of 2022, which means Europe cannot count on gas supply through the new pipeline in the winter season of 2021/22.”The certification process for Nord Stream 2 is being conducted by the independent German regulator, the Bundesnetzagentur, in strict accordance with the provisions of the European Gas Directive. Interested parties can raise their views within that legal framework and have their voices heard. Politically, we have made a commitment that this pipeline must not be used to exert pressure on Ukraine. That is why we are campaigning to see reliable, long-term, contractually agreed gas supplies and transit agreements for Ukraine,” von Geyr said.
