EU court restricts Gazprom's rights to OPAL pipeline

It is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the press service of the court.

The Ministry of Energy of Poland commented on the court decision.

“The decision of the EU court is evidence of the legitimacy of Polish accusations and the effectiveness of the Polish administration ... I am glad that Poland’s arguments in such an important European institution have been heard,” said Polish Energy Minister Krzysztof Chorzewski.

In October 2016, the European Commission approved the expansion of Gazprom’s access to OPAL, whereas previously the company had the right to download 50%.

In May 2018, the General Court of the European Union rejected Naftogaz’s lawsuit against the European Commission demanding that the decision of October 28, 2016, which allows Gazprom to increase the use of OPAL gas pipeline capacities, be canceled. The relevant regulation is published in the database of EU documents.

Opal is a branch pipe connecting Nord Stream to the gas transmission system of Central and Western Europe.