The maximum daily capacity of the new gas flow is 100 GWh, it added in a statement.

"If we did not have European solidarity and an integrated, united market right now, we would have serious problems," said French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February led to gas price hikes, and EU customers face record tariffs this winter.

Until then Germany relied on Russia for 55% of its gas. It has reduced this to 35% and wants eventually to reduce imports to zero.

Germany is also increasing its use of coal and extending the life of power stations which were due to shut - despite the negative environmental impact.

The German government hopes to reduce gas usage by 2% by limiting the use of lighting and heating in public buildings this winter.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday the gas taps could still be turned on to Europe and that "the ball, as they say, is now in European Union's court".

"We do not limit anyone in anything," he said, adding that Moscow was ready to supply additional volumes of gas in the autumn-winter period.

But despite Mr Putin's words, a resumption of gas supplies to Europe seems unlikely.

Nord Stream 1, Russia's largest gas pipeline to Europe, was closed indefinitely in August for technical reasons, and a number of leaks were then discovered in September, BBC reported.