ENGIE In Talks With Gazprom over Nord Stream Expansion

The number of companies possibly joining the Nord Stream II project has increased over the last hours, as France’s ENGIE is reportedly in talks with Russia’s Gazprom.

According to several reports, the pipeline connecting Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea could have a strong private backing despite the possible opposition of the European Commission. 

Reuters confirmed the rumour, explaining that two sources familiar with the matter said that the negotiations are proceeding.  

Last week, Wintershall, a unit of chemicals group BASF, signed a Memorandum of Intent with Gazprom for the expansion of the Nord Stream II natural gas pipeline. 

In June, Gazprom, Shell, E.ON and OMV singed a Memorandum of Intent for the project at the 2015 St. Petersburg Economic Forum (SPIEF).