The implementation of the Turkish Stream pipeline will not be possible without the European Commission’ approval. The project, which was conceived as an alternative to the abandoned South Stream, is still needed to be approved by the European officials. "Even if Greece decides to build and transfer capacity to Gazprom, it has no right to do so without the permission of the EC. So, it all depends on the decision of the European Commission, whether it will give the permission for the construction of these facilities or not. Only after that a question which companies will be engaged in the construction of the pipeline should be asked," director of the National Energy Institute Sergey Pravosudov said. Only after passing this essential step, it will be possible to make loud statements about the beginning of any work. At present, it is only reported on the establishment of a bilateral working group which will promote the Turkish Stream project. This decision was made after a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and the head of Gazprom Alexei Miller. However, experts believe that, despite the major changes in the route of the pipeline as well as in central figures, the project will face the same problems as the South Stream. European antitrust law clearly defines the rights and obligations of the energy seller, and in accordance with current specifications the retailer cannot control the gas-chain transit. Russia, in its turn, does not want to give the pipeline in "someone else’s hands". In addition, it is noted that participation in such risky event does not attract investors. It is not surprising, as the risk that this pipeline will be stopped is very large.
