"We don’t expect that it comes back": European Commission doesn’t expect Russia to restart Nord Stream - 1

This was stated by the European Commissioner for the budget, Johannes Hahn, European Pravda writes with reference to Bloomberg.

"We don’t expect that it comes back. We are working on the assumption that it doesn’t return to operation. And in that case certain additional measures need to be taken", Hahn said. 

Russia plans to restore the flow of the Nord Stream gas pipeline on July 21 after planned repairs. Still, fears are growing from Brussels to Berlin that work may not resume, especially after Russia cut supplies last month, citing delays due to sanctions. In addition, Moscow and Gazprom have not given any guarantees that the supply will be restored on July 21.

The cessation of Russian gas supplies to the EU could have catastrophic consequences for industry, and countries are scrambling to find alternative supplies. Germany is particularly dependent on Russian gas, and supply cuts have already prompted major utility Uniper SE to ask the government for help.

On Wednesday, the Commission, the EU's executive body, is due to unveil a plan for a coordinated reduction in gas demand to mitigate the effects of a potential shutdown by Moscow. It is considering a set of recommendations for member states, including voluntary reductions in heating and cooling use, as well as some market-based measures.  The commission can also claim the right to force consumption reductions if needed later.