FILE PHOTO: Logo of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project is seen on a large diameter pipe. © Reuters/MAXIM SHEMETOV
Axios: Scoop: Germany urges Congress not to sanction Putin’s pipeline
The German government has urged members of Congress not to sanction the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, arguing that doing so will "weaken" U.S. credibility and "ultimately damage transatlantic unity," according to documents obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: At a time when roughly 100,000 Russian troops are massing at its border, Ukraine views Nord Stream 2 as an existential threat to its security. The pipeline would circumvent Ukrainian transit infrastructure and deliver Russian gas directly to Germany, eliminating one of the last deterrents Ukraine has against an invasion.
Context: President Biden says he opposes the pipeline, but waived sanctions this spring in order to avoid alienating a key U.S. ally over a project that was already close to completion.
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Update #1: Germany calls on Congress not to sanction Nord Stream 2 pipeline: report (The Hill)
Update #2: Germany says working with U.S. on Nord Stream 2 deal (Reuters)
WNU Editor: Germany has warned the US that sanctions will damage relations .... Germany Warns US Congress Nord Stream 2 Sanctions Will 'Damage Transatlantic Unity', Docs Show (Sputnik). It must be working. The White House is not on the same page with Congress .... Biden administration resists tougher Russia sanctions in Congress (The Hill).
3 comments:
Apparently, it escapes the krauts, who have managed to incite not one, but two world wars, that accepting Nord Stream 2 has itself already damaged relations.
Great comment @ 8:34
Germany's position is understandable whether someone agrees with it or not. Afterall this pipeline is crucial to their economic and national security interests. Perhaps we (America) could meet the supply needs. This would likely be extremely for Germany to change their infrastructure to accommodate this. Also, our political system is relatively unstable. Eviro whackos yield much power within our political system and can take over at any time essentially leading to cancellation of any project that Germany might agree to work with us on. Even before the last election where these people gained much traction world leaders including those in Germany knew this. As such, such an agreement with us to meet supply needs would be a non-starter for them.
Also, Germany recognizes that Russia has been a major power in the region for centuries and likely will be for centuries more. In contrast, America is currently a declining power and should current policies continue is unlikely to still exist in five years. This can be reversed but it would be understandable if a foreign country did not want make that bet.
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