Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline can be launched before the end of certification, the German newspaper Handelsblatt reported. The German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has imposed a fine of up to €1 million for starting operation before the approval, which is a low fee compared to the amount of investment in the construction of Nord Stream 2 of about €10 billion. Previously, two projects were launched this way: NEL - the western branch of Nord Stream and the German pipeline EGL 401.