Nord Stream’s significance stems from a number of major factors. The pipeline will connect Europe directly to the vast gas resources in Russia in a technically and environmentally safe way. Nord Stream contributes to long-term European energy security by reliably supplying a sizable portion of the gas that Europe needs to meet its growing demand for energy. In addition to long-term strengthening of the European Union’s reach in the global distribution of energy resources and the EU’s economic ties with Russia, Nord Stream is already fortifying the EU economy and pan-European co-operation by generating new commerce across several business sectors and countries.

Infrastructure for secure gas supplies in Europe

European gas consumption is steadily rising, while domestic production is declining. Nord Stream will meet nearly a quarter of Europe’s additional gas import needs, thereby improving the long-term security of natural gas supplies to Europe.

Direct connection between the EU and Russia

Nord Stream will directly connect the Russia's United Gas Transmission system to the European gas grid. Thereby Europe will have direct access to Russian gas reserves. Implementation of the project will diversify gas import routes to Western Europe and make supplies more flexible and reliable.

Positive economic impact

The investment of 7.4 billion Euros in the underwater pipeline construction will create a strong impetus for the European economy by generating a great volume of new business for various suppliers, including pipe mills, pipe layers, engineering companies, environmental consulting agencies, and others providing coatings, logistics, maritime services, etc.

Pan-European importance

The European Union has recognised Nord Stream as a priority energy project, with the status of a Trans-European Network (TEN). This means that Nord Stream is a key project for the sustainability and security of supplies in Europe.

New benchmark for EU-Russia dialogue

Successful implementation of Nord Stream will set an example for efficient multilateral cooperation in trans-national projects, in particular related to the assessment of environmental impact in a transboundary context.

Nord Stream will boost the export capacity of Russian natural gas, and open a new chapter in the history of cooperation between the world’s largest exporter of natural gas, Gazprom, and European gas companies.