Speaking on the sidelines of a Gazprom Investor Day in Singapore, Gazprom deputy chief executive Alexander Medvedev said he saw no reason for authorities in European states and the European Commission to withhold its approvals.

Nord Stream 2 is a replica of Nord Stream, which received all European approvals, Medvedev said, adding that only “political reasons” would stop them being given as the project is in the “interests of gas consumers in Europe”.