Nord Stream Pipeline Investigation Stalled, Deepening European Divisions
BRUSSELS – Investigations into the 2022 explosions that crippled the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines remain stalled, fueling ongoing tensions within Europe and raising questions about energy security as the war in ukraine continues. The incidents, which severed critical infrastructure supplying Russian gas to Europe, have become a source of friction, with differing theories about responsibility and a lack of conclusive findings exacerbating existing geopolitical anxieties.
The ambiguity surrounding the attacks comes at a critical juncture,as European nations strive to maintain a united front against russia and navigate an increasingly uncertain relationship with the United States. While Russia‘s documented history of attempting to destabilize foreign nations is well-known, the Nord Stream incident may have inadvertently achieved a key Kremlin objective – sowing division – without direct involvement.Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis warned the pipeline damage risks provoking “further questions and perhaps fractures within the alliance,” notably “at a time when we are no longer at peace.”
Despite a German lawsuit seeking a satisfactory court ruling on the Nord Stream incident, Russian gas is not expected to flow to Europe via these pipelines at pre-2022 levels. The loss of Nord Stream accelerated Europe’s efforts to reduce its decades-long reliance on Russian gas, a process initiated following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. EU data shows russia’s share of EU pipeline gas imports plummeted from over 40% in 2021 to approximately 11% in 2024.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna articulated a strong stance on the defunct pipelines in March, stating, “the right place for Nord Stream 2 is the bottom of the sea, broken into pieces.”
