"South Stream must comply with EU laws"

"South Stream must comply with EU laws"

She, however, pointed out that the pipeline which mainly goes through the EU will not be put into operation unless it is in accordance with "European regulations."

The European Commission earlier this year found that Gazprom violated EU antitrust laws because it does not allow other gas producers access to South Stream, as well that the construction of the section through Bulgaria violated laws on public procurement.

Asked whether the construction "could affect the process of Serbia's negotiations on EU accession," Peter Stano, a spokesman for Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule, said that the issue of South Stream will be on the agenda when the chapter on energy opens, which is not expected this year .

"This chapter will not be closed until all issues related to energy are in line with EU standards," he said.