Government’s approval comes with the caveat that Nord Stream must strive to prevent and minimise any possible damage to the marine environment.
“Moreover, the project must be implemented so as not to prevent any future energy, data communications or other infrastructure projects, even if they would intersect with the gas pipelines within Finland's exclusive economic zone," the government said in a statement.
However the final decision lies with the West Finland Regional Environment Centre, which is expected to make the final permit decision by January.
Delivering Russian gas to the EU
The pipeline is to run from Vyborg, Russia to Greifswald, Germany. Two German energy companies have joined forces with Russia's Gazprom for the project.
The pipeline aims to deliver Russian natural gas deposits to the European gas network. Natural gas will be delivered via Germany to Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, France, Poland and the Czech Republic at least.
The pipeline will pass through the territorial waters of five states. Approximately 375 km of the route will lie within Finland's exclusive economic zone.
Sweden also approved the pipeline project on Thursday.
