Nord Stream received the notice of refusal from the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 26 September, and has reviewed it carefully. The company is surprised to have been refused a survey permit, as Estonian, European, and international law were followed by Nord Stream in good faith and to the best of its knowledge and ability. The company points out in a recent statement that it is the responsibility of the Estonian authorities to interpret and apply Estonian law. The rejection of its survey request, however, does not appear to be based solely on a legal evaluation of the facts. Nord Stream had provided orally and in written form additional explanations and specifications of some of the aspects quoted as reasons for the refusal. Furthermore, it had invited the Estonian authorities to observe the survey activities at all times. The Estonian authorities did not consider the additional information provided by Nord Stream. They also did not take up the opportunity of a discussion with Nord Stream of potential reasons for refusing the permit, nor did they propose additional conditions for the granting of the permit which Nord Stream would have had to comply with. A route alignment, for which a survey would necessitate legal proceedings against the relevant government, cannot be considered a reasonable alternative to the original route, as set out in the Espoo Convention. Nord Stream is a project of European interest, as established under the European Union's Trans-European Energy Network guidelines. The security of energy supply for a number of countries in Central and Western Europe cannot hang on the outcome of protracted legal proceedings. Nord Stream will therefore continue to develop the originally planned route and constructive working relationships with all countries around the Baltic Sea to find solutions for safeguarding of the environment and the security of supply in Europe.