The United States and Germany have reached an agreement on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea. The agreement stipulates that the United States will lift sanctions on the emerging Russian gas pipeline in exchange for active German assistance to Ukraine in energy projects and diplomacy.
It is reported by several media outlets in both countries. Gan “Wall Street Journal”, though Politico reportsthat the US government has agreed to lift sanctions on the Russian gas pipeline and related companies.
For its part, Berlin promises to be actively involved in the implementation of various energy projects in Ukraine and also to provide more diplomatic assistance to the country.
It is no longer possible to stop
The United States and Germany have agreed on a position on Nord Stream 2Artyom Konohov / Latvian Radio
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If such an agreement is indeed announced, it will be a very significant change in the US position on this issue. So far, the US Congress has strongly opposed the Russian gas pipeline Baltic Sea. US President Joe Biden has also repeatedly said that the new gas pipeline is not good for Europe, as it will increase our continent’s dependence on Russian natural gas supplies.
However, it can be assumed that officials at the White House have now come to the conclusion that the gas pipeline is almost complete. Therefore, it is no longer possible to try to stop it from starting. Especially because German Chancellor Angela Merkel continues to support this idea.
White House officials say Biden is still opposed to the Nord Stream 2 project, but he believes that a united Allied position is the most effective way to build relations with Russia. The concessions could therefore be made with a view to improving relations between Washington and Berlin.
U.S. diplomats have reportedly tried to convince Ukrainian officials that the future agreement is in their interests and urged not to criticize it too loudly. However, it is unlikely that Kiev politicians will be ready to receive this message with a smile. Many of them are convincedthat Nord Stream 2 can still be stopped.
Germany needs Russian gas
As is known, the new gas pipeline between Russia and Germany in the Baltic Sea will allow Moscow to significantly reduce or even abandon gas transit through Ukraine. This could cost billions in losses to Ukraine’s budget and, in the event of disagreement, even allow Russia to cut off Ukraine from gas supplies for its internal needs.
Merkel says that in the eyes of Germany, Ukraine is and will remain an important gas transit country. However, it is not clear what concrete steps Berlin would be prepared to take.
Merkel has repeatedly stated that Germany needs Russian gas so that it can phase out nuclear energy and, gradually, coal in the near future.
However, it is possible that German policy could change, as Merkel will no longer lead the government after the parliamentary elections in September. It is very likely that there will also be German Greens in the new coalition. Therefore, critics say Baiden had to wait until the autumn before reaching an agreement with Germany.
CONTEXT:
Opponents of Nord Stream 2 are concerned that the pipeline will increase the European Union’s dependence on Russian gas supplies, providing Moscow with political leverage as well as a tool for potential power outages. Baltic officials have also been critical of Nord Stream 2, stressing that it is a geopolitical project and runs counter to the objectives of the European Energy Union.
The 1,230-kilometer pipeline is expected to supply up to 55 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas to Germany each year. The project is planned to be completed at the end of August, so that it will start using this year to supply Russian gas to Europe.
Photo: Publicity image
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