Germany has slowed down the process of approving the large Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is planned to transport gas from Russia to Europe. This was announced by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday. The decision was made because Russia chose to recognize two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent on Monday evening.
- It may sound like a technicality, but it is a necessary administrative step so that the pipeline cannot be approved. And without approval it cannot be put into operation, says the Chancellor.
Nord Stream 2 has been completed, but not yet in operation. According to the German news agency dpa, a new assessment will now be made of the safety of potentially transporting gas from Russia to Europe.
The US in particular has previously been skeptical of the project. The US fears that Russia could use the pipeline as a means of political pressure.
The US has also previously warned that it will stop the project if Russia invades Ukraine. The Germans have been a little less specific in their statements regarding possible consequences regarding the pipeline.
Olaf Scholz, who took office as Chancellor in December last year, says that stopping the Nord Stream 2 project is just one of several steps.
- There are also other sanctions that we can introduce if further events occur. But right now it is about doing something concrete, says Scholz.
The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has announced that the EU will introduce a number of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday afternoon. Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline about 1,200 km long.
According to the plan, it will transport gas from the Russian coast near St. Petersburg to Lubmin in northeastern Germany. It has cost around 75 billion. kr. and was completed in September, writes BBC.
Ritzau / AFP
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