Russian-German gas link launched

Work has begun on the construction of an ambitious gas pipeline project linking Russia and Germany via the Baltic Sea.

The link will deliver Russian gas to Germany – and eventually to other Western European nations – by 2010.

But the 1,200km (744 mile) pipeline is not without controversy.
It is set to bypass Poland and Ukraine, prompting concern from both countries that they will be cut off from Russian gas supplies.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and German Economy Minister Michael Glos attended a launch ceremony on Friday in the northern Russian town of Babayevo, watching the symbolic welding of two pieces of pipeline.

“Today we have launched a great European project… This is a new export route that will increase Europe’s energy security,” said Alexey Miller, chairman of Russian gas giant Gazprom.

BBC