"Indeed, we take note of Gazprom decision to stop South Stream," Itkonen said at a press conference noting that "the Commission continues its normal diplomatic dialogue with Russia, as well as all the other parties concerned."
The press officer also stated that the European Union's position on South Stream remained unchanged and added that all gas pipelines in Europe "must be built in line with EU legislation."
On December 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia was unable to continue with the South Stream gas pipeline project under the current conditions, citing the EC's position on the project and Bulgaria's failure to grant permission to proceed with the pipeline's construction as the major reasons behind the decision.
Brussels has repeatedly said that the project violates the European Union's Third Energy Package, according to which it is illegal to own a pipeline and produce the natural gas that flows through it at the same time. Moscow has insisted that the construction of the pipeline does not contradict the regulations.
