EU leaders celebrate Nord Stream gas switch on

Leaders from across the EU were in Lubmin on Germany’s Baltic coast on Tuesday to celebrate the switch-on of a new gas supply route from Russia to Europe.

The pipeline was four years in the planning and took one and a half years to build. The Nord Stream project is aimed at bringing a degree of security to Europe’s energy supply.

“With Nord Stream gas from Russia and the electricity generated from it, it will contribute towards the reliable energy supplies for European consumers. So, we will strengthen the energy reliability in Europe and make life much more pleasant for many people in Europe,” explained Russian President Dmitri Medvedev at the ceremony.

Politicians believe the 1,200 kilometre pipeline under the Baltic Sea, which cost 7.3 billion euros, will also strengthen ties with Russia.

“With this project we show – in the presence of so many representatives from European countries – that we are going to rely on a secure and resilient partnership with Russia in the future,” said German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

Nord Stream is a joint project with Russian energy company Gazprom the main share holder, followed by Germany’s Wintershall. Dutch and French companies are also involved.

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