Nord Stream has decided to re-route the pipeline to run north – rather than south – of the Danish island of Bornholm. The decision – which will add about 8 kilometres to the pipeline's total length – follows further research into environmental and legal issues. Besides these studies, meetings with Danish and German authorities were held to discuss the matter.

Studies indicate that a more northerly route, which will stay even further away from known munitions dump sites south of Bornholm, will minimise any environmental impact and avoid the possibility of delay due to legal uncertainties with regard to the unsettled sea border line south of Bornholm.

All countries concerned were informed of the optimised route at a regular Espoo meeting.