Nord Stream notes report by European Parliament Committee on Petitions
May 27, 2008 | Brussels | Nord Stream today notes the adoption of a report by the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament. This report, whilst not yet considered by the European Parliament as a whole, demonstrates a growing understanding among MEPs who have recognised Nord Stream’s status under the Trans-European Energy Network Guidelines (TEN-E) of the European Union and its efforts as part of the ongoing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
A significant number of MEPs from across the EU had proposed corrections to the scaremongering nature of the original text about the impact of the Nord Stream pipeline, tabling nearly 200 amendments and showing an improved knowledge of Nord Stream’s efforts to ensure the protection of the Baltic Sea. However, the report adopted by the Committee remains misleading, making a number of factually incorrect claims about the impact of the pipeline on the Baltic Sea environment.
“We welcome the interest that the European Parliament is showing in the pipeline project and are pleased to see the considerable efforts by some MEPs to amend a confusing report,” said Maartje van Putten, EU Affairs Representative for Nord Stream. “We understand MEPs’ concerns about the environmental impact of any large infrastructure project in the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream is fully committed to preserving the Baltic Sea environment, having commissioned the most comprehensive studies ever conducted of the area. We will continue our open dialogue with MEPs and all stakeholders to clarify any further questions.”
Unfortunately, the Petitions Committee has misunderstood the EIA process by a calling for a new, independent assessment of Nord Stream’s impact on the Baltic Sea. In fact, Nord Stream has commissioned independent studies which will be submitted to the relevant National Authorities in countries bordering the Baltic Sea. It is these National Authorities that assess the data and take a decision to grant a permit for the pipeline construction. The Committee has prejudged Nord Stream, without waiting for the information contained in the EIA which will address the concerns raised.
Nord Stream is fully committed to preserving the Baltic Sea environment. The pipeline has been planned with a profound awareness of the environmental issues and conditions of the Baltic Sea. The Environmental Impact Assessment; which has been conducted with the full participation of Baltic Sea states under the Espoo Convention, will provide new data and expertise on the Baltic Sea (its conditions, flora and fauna) to be made publicly available later this year.
In line with its commitment to transparency and the obligations of all parties under the Espoo Convention, Nord Stream has actively engaged with the general public and with the authorities of all the countries of the Baltic Region. Nord Stream notably organised a large number of public meetings, and held hundreds of private meetings with policy makers, NGOs and civil society representatives. Nord Stream will continue to engage with public bodies at all levels, including the European Parliament, and will continue to provide the latest information on the EIA to MEPs ahead of the consideration of the Petitions Committee report at the plenary session to be held in July 2008.
