Tensions in the Sea of ​​Azov: US asks EU to refuse to continue the “Nord Stream 2” project

Pipelines serving Nord Stream 2. Photo: TASS

"The incident in the Kerch Strait is a reminder to all US allies in Europe why the Nord Stream 2 project is considered a bad idea. This incident also warns that if the gas infrastructure of this project is stalled, it will become an effective means of restraining the development of Russian military forces" - a representative of the US State Department said at a press conference in Brussels (Belgium).

The representative added that since the incident in the Sea of ​​Azov, Germany has become more sensitive to criticism of Nord Stream 2. "In US consultations with Germany, there are some signs that Germany has begun to understand the US message more clearly since the Kerch Strait incident. For Germany, it has become more difficult to understand that this is purely a commercial project," the representative of the US State Department said.

From a geopolitical point of view, Washington openly opposes the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and is actively trying to prevent this project. Many experts point out that, with this method, the United States is trying to become the main supplier of liquefied natural gas to the European market, although the cost of payment is considered to be significantly more expensive than the Russian gas pipeline. Even with the adoption of the CAATSA law (on countering America's adversaries through sanctions), the United States has demonstrated its ability to apply unilateral restrictive measures, including against companies participating in the implementation of the Nord Stream 2 project.

Nord Stream 2 is a major project, building two gas pipelines with a total capacity of up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year, connecting the Russian coast, across the Baltic Sea and to Germany. Nord Stream 2 is expected to be put into operation by the end of 2019. The capacity of each pipeline is 27.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year, double the capacity of Nord Stream 1.

The construction cost of Nord Stream 2 is estimated at 9.5 billion euros, operated by Nord Stream 2 AG, the sole shareholder of Russian energy giant Gazprom.