Energy, EU – Baltic States, EU – CIS

Last year, the EP received two petitions from residents of Lithuania and Poland, which express fear on the environmental impact of the Nord Stream gas pipeline between Russia and Germany, which is planned to be built along the seabed of the Baltic Sea. The petition prepared by the Lithuanian young conservatory league was supported by 18 non governmental organisations of the Baltic countries and signed by 28,000 residents. In response to the fear of Lithuanians, the EU committee of petitions prepared a report, and on Tuesday the whole parliament voted for it, reports ELTA.

According to the EP, while carrying out construction works of the gas pipeline munitions dumped on the Baltic seabed after World War II may be disturbed, and pose a threat to the Baltic marine environment, and to human life and health. The Parliament admits that the Nord Stream pipeline is "a project of European interest that would help meet the EU"s future energy needs", but parliamentarians also urge to establish an independent organisation, which would examine the environmental impact, and take into consideration opinions of all Baltic states. The EP also prompts to analyse possible alternative routes for the gas pipeline.

According to the EP, "the Baltic Sea is a property of the countries in the Baltic Sea region, so questions related to it do not have to be decided upon by bilateral agreements", and the proposed project has to be implemented in cooperation with all countries of the region, giving them a permission to monitor the work.

MEPs, regretting for the small roller of the EU in the Nord Stream project, propose to establish the EU mechanism for negotiations on similar projects as well as appoint the official to lead this process.

"The danger for the environment of the Baltic region is enormous and the question rises whether this risk is worth so much investment," claimed Announcer of the EP opinion Marcin Libicki.

The EU environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas reminded of the EU decision to hold this project a priority. According to the commissioner, permits for construction works will be issued only after the independent evaluation of the environmental impact is carried out.

Rihardas Pykas, representative of European people"s party, emphasized that Europe needs energy resources, so this gas pipeline is a necessity. Still the deputy criticized the fact that there was no discussion with the Baltic Sea states in the process of devising the project.

MEP"s elected in Lithuania also actively participated in the discussion. Vytautas Landsbergis reminded of the EU solidarity principle and prompted to consider the interests of the smaller Baltic region states.

Danute Budreikaite urged to carry out an independent examination of the environmental impact, to search for the alternative way to build the gas pipeline on the land as well as support the expansion of the eco nuclear energy.