Brussels says the South Stream gas pipeline can still go ahead. <br /><br /> Russia had scrapped the 400 billion euro project to pump gas to the European Union, citing legal obstacles as a reason. <br /><br /> It would have bypassed Ukraine, the traditional transit route for Russian gas, The first point for the pipeline in the EU would be Bulgaria. <br /><br /> Some EU nations, especially Bulgaria, which is almost entirely dependent on Russia for its gas and would stand to benefit from a pipeline via its territory, are strong supporters of the Gazprom project.<br /><br /> On Thursday European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had talks in Brussels with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.<br /><br /> “South Stream can be built. The conditions have been clear since a long time … There is nothing new. The ball is in the court of Russia,” said Juncker.<br /><br /> Borisov also said South Stream had to comply with EU rules, including legislation, known as the third energy package, that limits how much of a pipeline a company can own if it also controls the gas supply.<br /><br /> “We want “South Stream” to be built, respecting European rules,” he said. “On 9th December in Brussels will decide exactly how to implement these European rules.”<br /><br /> Further efforts to bring the project in line will be made on Tuesday, when EU energy ministers are in Brussels for regular talks.
