The European Commission revealed that no legal framework existed for compensating Bulgaria due to Russia's announced cancellation of the construction of the South Stream pipeline.

Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, Spokesperson of the European Commission (EC) on climate action and energy, said this at a pressconference on Tuesday, the Bulgarian National Television reports.

The Spokesperson remarked that security and solidarity are the main components of the EU energy union.

Itkonen did not provide a concrete answer whether the statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin meant that the project was dead.

She stated that the EU has not changed its position regarding the pipelines in the Union, which should be constructed and utilised according to the European legislation.

Itkonen pointed out that pipelines contravening EU legislation, represent a threat to the internal market.

She explained that at the forthcoming December 9 meeting, Energy Ministers of the member-states falling under the planned route of the pipeline, will discuss the new situation.

Itkonen said that the EC continues its traditional diplomatic dialogue with Russia, and has never opposed the construction of the pipeline, it only insisted on its compliance with EU legislation.

The Spokesperson added that the EC was investigating the response of Bulgarian authorities on the ongoing infringement procedure pertaining to the construction of South Stream.