Expert Evaluates Court Decision in EU to Limit Gazprom's OPAL Rights

According to Grivach, such a court decision could lead to the fact that the energy security of Europe would be in jeopardy.

“The gas pipeline is fully loaded, meets the needs of European consumers. If this gas is not delivered to European consumers, this will lead to at least an increase in prices, ”he added.

According to the expert, Poland plays against the interests of European consumers.

Grivach also emphasized that the grounds for the annulment by the EU court of the 2016 decision were chosen “casuistic.”

“The gas pipeline has been operating in the new regime for almost three years already, it has not had any negative consequences on the security of gas supply in Poland,” concluded Grivach.

Earlier, the EU court overturned the decision of the European Commission to change the regime of use of the OPAL gas pipeline.

The Ministry of Energy of Poland called the court decision “evidence of the legitimacy” of Polish accusations.

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%.

OPAL - a branch pipe connecting Nord Stream with the gas transmission system of Central and Western Europe.