Stop Nord Stream 2 for EU solidarity – opinion
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
The contentious Russian-German gas pipeline project Nord Stream 2 is a political issue – contrary to what some German industry representatives say – and should be stopped, writes Reinhard Veser in an opinion for German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. “For the future of Ukraine, for the security of Germany’s direct eastern neighbours, and for European Union solidarity – and thus for Germany – it would be better if Nord Stream 2 could still be stopped,” writes Veser.
European Union member state representatives are set to decide whether they want to amend the gas directive and give the EU oversight regarding pipelines connecting non-member states to the Union. However, French and German government officials have reportedly agreed on a deal which would leave oversight of Nord Stream 2 in the hands of Germany, thus avoiding stricter rules for the pipeline.
The Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, currently under construction under the Baltic Sea, has been the subject of heated debates for years. The project, scheduled for completion in late 2019, would allow additional Russian gas to flow directly to Germany. Proponents from industry and the German government argue the pipeline is a commercial investment and is key to Europe's supply security, while opponents, including some government coalition parliamentarians, object to Nord Stream 2 on environmental, geopolitical and security grounds.
