The purpose of the report is to discuss how the planned gas pipeline might affect the EU’s new common energy policy and the development of the Baltic Sea Region. A further aim is to put forward recommendations as to how the EU can best shed light on the security implications of the pipeline.

The report makes the point that the gas pipeline is of strategic interest to Russia and that the EU should proceed with this in mind. The slightest risk of energy supplies being cut off for political reasons makes this pipeline a matter of security interest to the EU as well. Assessment of the project should not be based on a “best case scenario” since the gas pipeline is expected to be in operation for 50 years, and it is impossible to foresee over such a long period what the developments in Russia, and in Russian foreign policy, might be.

The report also makes the point that the strategic balance in the region is affected in that it gives Russia increased possibilities for exerting pressure on certain EU countries while at same time adversely affecting the energy security situation of smaller countries. This in turn could affect the EU’s capability for coordinated action.

The level of risk associated with terrorist attack is judged to be low, but the very existence of the gas pipeline could conceivably give rise to increased Russian military presence in the Baltic, which in turn could create political friction.