Nord Stream 2, Photo: ODD Andersen / AFP / Profimedia
The European Union is approaching a decision aimed at including the North Stream 2 gas pipeline in a new package of sanctions imposed on Moscow, against the background of intensifying rumors aimed at resuming Russian gas deliveries, which the Community block wants to stop by citing Bloomberg.
The European Commission is going to start consulting with the Member States on the prohibition of the North Stream 2, which connects between Germany and Russia via the Baltic Sea, and a decision will take into account the latest evolutions on the cessation of the Ukraine war, several sources have told Bloomberg.
What is important is that the plan of the community block has the support of Germany. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who last week said he supports the “Commission's proposal to start work on European measures against North Stream 2”, hopes that this is how political debates in Germany will be calmed on a possible reopening of the gas, the sources say.
Gazprom asked Americans to help reopen Nord Stream pipes
The rumors about a possible reopening of this gas pipeline have multiplied this year, after the US President Donald Trump has tried to intermediate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Even without a formal prohibition, the activation of Nord Stream 2, which was built but did not receive the official operating authorization from Germany, and was partially damaged by a series of explosions in September 2022, it is unlikely to take place soon.
The sanctions would give even more weight to the clear position of Europe that they do not intend to return to significant deliveries of Russian gases through pipes. A prohibition would also protect Berlin to meet possible pressure from the US and Russia.
“It is a political move, intended to cement the EU plan to eliminate Russian gas imports in 2027. Political clarity should also remove some of the volatility on the gas market, which has been related to the discussions that arise from time to time on Russian gas delivery,” Florence Schmit said.
The European Commission will propose to stop all of Russian gas imports in the EU by 2027
In their efforts intended to stop the war, in recent months, American officials have advanced a series of global energy projects as a possible area of cooperation with Russian counterparts. During these discussions, the Russian giant Gazprom expressed his desire for the US to help reopen the North Stream pipes.
However, the chances of restarting the North Stream 1 or 2 pipes are already “quite small”, given that there is an operational route via Turkey and others through Ukraine, which are more logical routes, says analyst Tom Marzec-Manser.
