UPDATE 1-Denmark clears major hurdle for Russian-led Nord Stream 2 project

Denmark's energy agency said on Wednesday it had approved the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project in Danish waters, removing the last major hurdle for the Russian-led gas pipeline project that has divided the European Union.

The Danish permit was the last one needed for the roughly 1,230-km-long (765-mile) Nord Stream 2 pipeline which has been criticized by the United States and several eastern European, Nordic and Baltic countries, which say the conduit will increase Europe's reliance on Russian gas. The Danish Energy Agency said in a statement that it had granted a permit to Nord Stream 2 to construct a 147-km section of the twin pipeline southeast of the Danish island Bornholm in the Baltic Sea.

Gazprom has completed more than 87% of Nord Stream 2 but since April 2017 has had pending applications with Danish authorities to lay between 147 and 175 km via Danish waters. Nord Stream 2 will have to wait another month before the permit can be used, according to Danish law, which gives parties the option to complain up to four weeks after the decision, the DEA said.

A Nord Stream 2 spokesman said the project had been notified and was pleased with the decision.

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