MOSCOW- Russia's representative to the European Union urged the German authorities on Tuesday to certify the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline, the RIA news agency reported on Tuesday.

RIA quoted representative Vladimir Chizhov as saying that such a move would benefit European consumers.

(Reporting by Polina Devitt; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Edmund Blair) ((olzhas.auyezov@thomsonreuters.com; +7 727 2508 500; Reuters Messaging: olzhas.auyezov.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))