Poland, whose views on European energy security are at odds with Germany and most fellow members of the European Union, has fined Gazprom $57 million for lack of cooperation in its proceedings with regard to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.

The Poles have always been suspicious of Nord Stream 2, which would double Russia's gas export capacity via the Baltic Sea, as a threat to Europe's energy security, saying it will strengthen Gazprom's market dominance.

UOKiK, Poland's anti-monopoly watchdog, has been examining the project for years and in 2019 it fined Austria's Engie 40 million euros ($47 million) for failing to provide documents and information relating to the case.  UOKiK may find it easier to collect from the Austrians than from the Russians.

Gazprom declined to comment. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Gazprom have said they plan to complete Nord Stream 2. More than 90% of the construction has been completed.

The Russian energy giant supplies most of the gas consumed in Poland. Polish state-run gas company PGNiG has often complained it pays more than its European peers for Russian gas.