The launch of the Nord Stream 2 (SP-2) gas pipeline depends on Russia’s further actions towards Ukraine. This was announced on December 23 by the future chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Germany, Friedrich Merz.
“This (abandonment of SP-2. – Ed.) May be an option, but depends on the further actions of Russia,” he said in a published interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper.
Merz admitted that he was worried about the possible stop of the multibillion-dollar project. He also noted that Germany and Europe will need gas from Russia for several years to come if they want to reorganize the energy sector with an emphasis on climate neutrality.
Merz also said that the former government of Germany has agreed with the United States on the conditions for putting the pipeline into operation. Perhaps the new government can conclude a similar agreement with Poland and the Baltic countries, concluded the future head of the CDU.
Earlier, on December 16, Germany postponed a decision on certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline until at least mid-2022.
On December 14, the new Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced that Nord Stream 2 is an important project ensuring the security of energy supplies to the European Union. According to him, any sanctions against the pipeline “will only harm the European Union” and it is not worth using the SP-2 as a lever of pressure on Moscow.
Earlier, on December 12, German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock said in an interview with the ZDF TV channel that the SP-2 could not be approved, since it does not yet comply with the requirements of European energy law. She said that the problem was discussed during the talks between the foreign ministers of the EU countries.
On November 16, the German regulator suspended the certification of Nord Stream 2 AG as an independent operator of Nord Stream 2. The procedure can be continued when a subsidiary company for the German part of the pipeline is created in Germany. The company has promised to establish such a subsidiary in Germany to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
The construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was completed on September 10. It was built from Russia to Germany along the Baltic seabed with the aim of direct gas supplies to Europe. The EU countries mainly support the project and participate in its implementation. The Baltic states, Poland, the USA and Ukraine are opposed.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
