Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project is criticized by eight European countries, signatories of a letter addressed to the President of the European Commission, through which objections are raised regarding this investment, destined to double the direct deliveries of gas from Russia to Germany, writes Reuters.

The signatory states are the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Lithuania. Croatia might join the group of eight. The issued document reminds the public of the difference of perspective between Germany and the Eastern European countries regarding the consequences of the energy dependence with Russia.

“The Nord Stream 2 project poses certain risks to the energy security in Central and Eastern Europe. This would strongly influence developments in the gas market and gas transit in the region, especially the transit route through Ukraine”, says the letter consulted by Reuters journalists.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline has generated strong debates at the European summit in December, after a similar letter was sent to the European Commission. Since then, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said that the final decision regarding the legality of the project will be taken by the European Commission.

The Deputy Chancellor of Germany, Sigmar Gabriel, said earlier this year during a visit to Poland that the Nord Stream 2 project will continue only if the gas flows through Ukraine and the other Eastern states will not suffer.

Gazprom already supplies natural gas directly to Germany via the Nord Stream I. Last year, Gazprom, E.ON, Wintershall, Shell, OMV and ENGIE signed an agreement for the realization of Nord Stream 2, which involves the construction of two pipelines in addition to the two existing.