The Third Energy Package is the latest energy market legislation in the EU, conceived to improve the internal energy market and resolve structural problems. This legislation bars gas producers from owning pipelines in the Internal EU Market. In 2014 Gazprom abandoned the South Stream Project as it was objected by the European Commission. However, according to Gazprom, this precedent does not apply to Nord Stream 2, as it is an offshore gas pipeline.[1]
The European Commission proposed to amend this issue by extending certain rules to future offshore sections of gas pipelines, and considering Nord Stream 2 project plans to use a large part of the original route of Nord Stream before branching off, the second gas pipeline could be on the scope of these new rules.
According to some EU members, the main concerns are in relation to independence with regards to gas supply.[2]
1. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2017/608629/EPRS_ATA%282017%29608629_EN.pdf
2. https://sputniknews.com/europe/201711241059390114-novak-gas-directive-nord-stream/