Germany: "We will continue the gas pipeline project with Russia even if the US imposes sanctions"

The installation work of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea
[Image source=Gazprom official website/www.gazprom.com]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The German Foreign Minister has stated that Germany will continue with the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project with Russia despite the United States imposing sanctions, signaling ongoing diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Germany. While the U.S. Senate is moving forward with sanctions on the project and President Donald Trump is pressuring Germany by announcing troop reductions in Germany, Germany insists that this is interference in its internal affairs and is determined to continue the gas pipeline project.

According to TASS news agency, on the 16th (local time), Heiko Maas, German Foreign Minister, during a joint press conference with Jacek Czaputowicz, Polish Foreign Minister, in Warsaw, Poland, drew a clear line by stating, "Due to the U.S. policy to expand sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, there will be no change in the German government's position on implementing the gas pipeline project." He further emphasized, "The Nord Stream 2 sanctions bill discussed in the U.S. is interference in our internal affairs from our perspective and is unacceptable."

Earlier, U.S. Republican senators including Ted Cruz submitted a bill to expand sanctions under the 'European Energy Security Clarification Act' established at the end of last year. This bill not only targets the Nord Stream 2 pipeline but also sanctions parties providing acquisition services, and it is currently pending in the U.S. Congress. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project involves constructing two massive pipelines in the Baltic Sea to supply gas directly from Russia to Germany, with 93% of the pipeline sections completed so far.

The U.S. government has opposed the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which transports gas through the Baltic Sea, arguing that it would increase Russia's economic influence in Europe and potentially threaten European security. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline was also mentioned as one of the reasons for President Trump's announcement of troop reductions in Germany the previous day. At a White House press conference, President Trump pressured the German government by stating, "We will reduce U.S. troops in Germany to 25,000."