Netherlands pulls exports license of TurkStream, but pipeline operations unaffected

MOSCOW. Sept 30 (Interfax) - The Netherlands has withdrawn the export license of the operator of the TurkStream gas pipeline that carries Russian gas across the Black Sea to Turkey and European countries, but this will not affect the work of the operator, project company South Stream Transport B.V. said.

The company recalled that in the course of 2022 the European Union has periodically imposed additional sanctions aimed at restricting exports of materials, technology and services to Russia.

As a result of the imposition of new sanctions, South Stream Transport's export license was withdrawn on September 18, the company said. In the official notification of this, the Dutch authorities cited the prohibitions of points 1 and 2 of article 3 of EU resolution 833/2014 in the edition that includes new sanctions restrictions. These points prohibit supplying goods and services, including technical assistance and servicing, for use in Russia, including its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

The imposition of the new sanctions does not restrict the continuation of gas transportation by South Stream Transport, so gas supplies to various industries and millions of households in Turkey and European countries will not be affected in the short and long term, the company said.

South Stream Transport has all legal grounds under the current EU sanctions regulation 833/2014 to secure an exception (article 3, point 3a), since the gas that is transported through TurkStream and then through national gas transport systems is also supplied to European countries and therefore plays a part in ensuring Europe's energy security, the company said.

In order to continue to ensure safe and reliable gas supplies in the long term, South Stream Tranpsort said it has filed an application to reinstate the export license and is waiting for a response from the relevant Dutch authorities.