The Polish competition authority opposed the increase of Russian influence in the country

Photo: nord-stream.com

The Polish Antimonopoly regulator UOKiK initiated proceedings against “Gazprom” and five foreign companies, responsible for the financing of the gas pipeline “Nord stream – 2”, reports the Agency.

“Anti-monopoly proceedings were initiated by the UOKiK few days ago,” writes UOKiK.

UOKiK suspects that the parties to the transaction, despite the withdrawal of the notification of concentration, to jointly implement the project financing of the Nord Stream 2.

“The President of the office may impose on the company a fine of up to 10% of the revenue for the year preceding the year within which the fine is imposed, if the company made a deal in the area of concentration without obtaining the consent of the President of the office. If the concentration has already been implemented, UOKiK may require the sale of assets, sale of a controlling stake or dissolution of the company,” – said the Polish regulator.

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In 2016 the Polish magnates analyzed the motion on the establishment of the six joint venture companies for the construction of “Nord stream 2” and decided that the joint venture could lead to restriction of competition.

UOKiK concluded that “Gazprom” and so dominant on the Polish gas market, but the new project could further strengthen his negotiating position with the Polish clients. The consortium members have withdrawn the notice, which UOKiK interprets as “deny Association”.

Polish regulator believes that the purpose of “Gazprom” and its partners – Engie, Uniper OMV, Shell, Wintershall was to circumvent the lack of approval by the UOKiK. Meanwhile, a failed joint venture, and the current steps for the organization of financing – all aimed at one thing: to Finance the construction of the “Nord stream – 2”.