The construction of Nordstream II on the floor of the Baltic Sea is fast becoming a contentious issue in Sweden, with the central government seeing the pipeline as a threat to Sweden's security and the local government focusing on the economic benefits that would accrue the Municipality of Gotland.

Adding to the tension is Sweden's re-militarization of an old Cold War frontier base on the island. This was done in response to perceived Russian military aggression in the Baltic region.

Against this background Swedish municipal officials have said Gazprom must first lease the Apotekskajen harbour in Slite in order for the project to proceed. This is in Gazprom's interest as the company will need a base in the Baltic to facilitate Nordstream II's construction.

Eva Nypelius, senior member of the Gotland regional assembly, said that "the Government must put its foot down and acknowledge that this harbour is of strategic importance and should therefore not be used in this way,”

Gazprom has completed phase II financing for the pipeline and is confident the construction will be completed by 2019.