Request concerning construction of Nord Stream 2 withdrawn by applicant

The six companies who were planning on forming a partnership over building the Nord Stream 2 withdrew their motion from the antitrust office (UOKiK), which presented concerns two months ago. They will not be able to form a joint venture, thus conduct further investments in the project. "Withdrawal of the motion [...] means a red flag for the transaction." said president of UOKiK, Marek Niechciał. In July, UOKiK said that launching a joint venture by Russia's Gazprom and five European companies (E.ON, Wintershall, Shell, OMV and Engie) responsible for the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline would undermine competition. The Office found that the concentration might lead to restriction of competition, especially with Gazprom's leading position in the Polish natural gas sector.