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After the poison attack on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, calls for sanctions against Russia are getting stronger by the day. At the EU level, the main question here is whether the 27 member states can jointly adopt punitive measures. In Germany, where the opposition politician, who has just awakened from an artificial coma, has been treated for nearly two weeks, one particular aspect of the sanctions debate is still raging. More and more politicians are linking the Navalny case to a continuation of the Nord Stream 2 project. Over the weekend, both Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) and Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) did not rule out a stop in construction. of the gas pipeline. Finally, on Monday, Chancellor Angela Merkel also spoke in this direction. An overview of the most important key data and background information about the project that will supply Russian gas to Germany from 2021.
- What is the dimension of the Nord Stream 2 project?
Construction began in the summer of 2018 and the pipeline, which includes two parallel lines of pipe, is almost complete. Of the planned total length of 1,230 kilometers, only less than 200 kilometers need to be built. The route of the pipeline runs from Narva Bay in Russia to Lubmin near Greifswald in Germany. The twelve meter long individual tubes, some of which come from the German manufacturer Europipe, are welded at sea and laid on the seabed by special boats.
- Why is another pipe needed?
Gas sources in Europe will become increasingly dry in the coming years, so more and more must be imported. Gas is one of the most important fuels for heating in Germany and Austria. As part of the coal phase-out, less climate-friendly gas-fired power plants will also take on an important bridging role. Russia is Germany’s largest gas supplier with a share of around 40 percent, followed by Norway with 25 percent and the Netherlands with 20 percent. According to the operators, the gas transported through Nord Stream 2 can supply 26 million households.
- What companies are involved in the pipeline?
The Swiss-based project company Nord Stream 2 belongs to the Russian state-owned company Gazprom. So far it is the only shareholder. However, five Western companies are involved in financing the pipeline, including the national energy company OMV. Also present are the German companies Uniper and Wintershall Dea. The total cost of the project is estimated at 9.5 billion euros, half of which will be borne by Gazprom and the other half by the European partners. OMV and Uniper each contribute up to 950 million euros.
- Why was Nord Stream 2 controversial from the start?
Critics fear a growing dependence on Russia, which under President Vladimir Putin also used gas as a means of political pressure. Putin had already turned off the gas tap several times in the dispute with Ukraine. Some of the oldest gas pipelines run from Russia through Ukraine, and transit charges account for 3 to 4 percent of Ukraine’s GDP. With the tubes of the Baltic Sea, Russia is now avoiding the old routes. Therefore, Ukraine is as much an opponent of Nord Stream 2 as the United States.
- What is bothering the United States about the project?
The United States also fears that Germany and other European countries will increasingly surrender to Russia. On the other hand, the Washington government also has strong economic interests. President Donald Trump wants to expand the liquefied gas (LNG) business and sees Europe as a growing market for exports. The United States has already imposed sanctions in relation to Nord Stream 2. In December 2019, two Swiss laying vessels had to stop operating, leading to a construction freeze that lasted for several months. In mid-July, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo intervened and threatened the German companies involved with direct punitive measures.
- What is the position of Austria?
Austria does not rule out sanctions against Russia. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg doesn’t want to shake up Nord Stream 2 just yet.
- What are the consequences of a construction freeze?
The chairman of the Eastern Committee for the German Economy, Oliver Hermes, warns that a construction freeze will damage the image of the EU and Germany as a safe place to invest. But there is also the risk of considerable financial loss for the companies involved. Uniper has already spent several hundred million euros. In the event of a construction freeze, claims for damages would soon follow. Finally, the project was approved by the authorities of all participating countries.(rs)
