OREANDA-NEWS. The Federal Network Agency of Germany decided to refuse Nord Stream 2 AG to withdraw the Nord Stream 2 project from the requirements of the updated EU Gas Directive. This was reported on Friday by the Handelsblatt newspaper with reference to a regulator’s document sent to participants in the application process and reflecting the position of the agency.

"As a justification, it says that Nord Stream-2, in the light of insufficient implementation, does not fulfill the conditions of the law on the energy sector of Germany to be exempted from the rules", the document says. The Federal Network Agency reported to the publication that the parties to the process are obliged to respond to the regulator about their position by May 8. Then the regulator intends to “quickly” announce its final decision.

According to Handelsblatt, participants in the process expect Nord Stream 2 AG to file a protest against the regulator’s decision with the Supreme Land Court in Düsseldorf. But it is possible that he will immediately redirect the complaint to the European Court, the newspaper writes.