BRUSSELS, June 19 (Reuters) - A planned expansion of theNord Stream pipeline that delivers Russian gas straight toGermany must comply with EU laws, the European Commission saidon Friday in its first response to news of the project.
In a statement, the Commission said it took note ofThursday's announcement from Gazprom, E.ON,Royal Dutch Shell and OMV that they werebuilding two further sections of the Nord Stream link.
"The European Commission recalls that new pipelines must bebuilt in full compliance with EU legislation and will bevigilant about the rigorous application of EU law notably in thefield of energy, internal market and competition," the statementsaid. (Reporting by Barbara Lewis; editing by Foo Yun Chee)