Nord Stream 2: A Pipeline’s Fate amidst Geopolitical Tensions
The Washington Visit and Nord Stream 2
The future of Nord Stream 2, the controversial pipeline project, is highly likely to surface during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Washington. the pipeline, plagued by sabotage and political maneuvering, remains a focal point of European and American energy security concerns.
The Sabotage and Germany’s Stance
Nord Stream 2, a project costing $11 billion, was disabled by an explosion at the onset of the war in Ukraine. The responsible party remains unknown. Although completed, the pipeline was never operational. Germany has firmly stated its position on the project’s future. Merz reiterated this stance, declaring last week, Germany will do everything to ensure that Nord Stream 2 is not taken into use.
European Union’s Concerns and the “Trump Factor”
The European Union shares Germany’s view.Brussels has expressed discouragement regarding any interest, especially those of certain investors.
Sergej Vakulenko, an energy analyst at the Carnegie Centre, believes this stance is driven by European concerns about former President Trump. For Europe it seems that Trump is still trying to make a separate peace with Putin. Europe does everything to make it clear that they are not going into it.
Past Contacts and Energy Deals
Brussels views past american-Russian contacts with suspicion. Vladimir Putin reportedly attempted to entice Trump with potential energy deals. As early as January, following Trump’s inauguration, Putin suggested that Moscow and Washington collaborate to maintain energy prices too high
, rather than too low.
American Interest and potential Takeover
An American businessman, Lynch, who supported Trump’s election campaign with $700,000 and spent twenty years in Moscow, has expressed interest in Nord Stream 2. He envisions a scenario where, If the pipeline were to get into American hands, Europe would no longer have to act directly with russia and still be able to benefit from cheap russian gas.
He stated in an interview last week, If they decide that they need Russian gas – what they are going to do – we will be there.
Secret Negotiations and a Blocked Account
According to the German newspaper Bild, secret negotiations involving Gazprom, the owner of Nord Stream 2, occurred in March. Richard Grenell, a special envoy of Donald trump, was reportedly involved. Lynch believes he can acquire the pipeline at a reduced price,with the acquisition sum held in a blocked account,inaccessible to Russia until the war in Ukraine concludes. Until there is peace, there will be absolutely no gas,
he asserted.
