The European Union has taken note of Russia's decision to halt the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline, but its position on the project remains unchanged, European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said at a press briefing in Brussels on Tuesday.

South Stream was to be laid and run in compliance with the European legislation, she said.

Itkonen also said that there are no reasons for the European Union to make compensation payments for the losses sustained when such projects are closed.

The European Union cannot say thus far whether this project is finally dead. The situation will be assessed, Itkonen said.