German paper criticises plans for Nord Stream 2 pipeline

According to Die Welt’s commentator Alan Posener, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a controversial political project that could lead to Germany being isolated in Europe.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel should realise that the pipeline, which would run under the Baltic Sea, is “not just a business project," but an undertaking that "divides Europe," the article penned by Posener reads, as quoted by Polish Radio’s IAR agency.

In the article, Posener says he finds it "difficult to fathom" why Poland is being criticised for its lack of solidarity in refusing to accept refugees, while Germany "is offering [Russian President Vladimir] Putin its services as a gas station" and “refusing to show solidarity in terms of energy policy.”

The Nord Stream 2 project has received widespread criticism from environmental organisations as well as the United States, the European Union and the Baltic states, according to Posener.

The German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, have also voiced concern over the construction of the pipeline, arguing that the project would limit the area where military exercises can be held, Posener wrote.

Nord Stream 2 is expected to run parallel to the existing Nord Stream pipeline from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea, bypassing Poland and the Baltic states as well as Ukraine.

The Polish government has repeatedly said the project poses a threat to energy security in Central and Eastern Europe.

In November, the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, unveiled plans to change the bloc’s Gas Directive, which experts say could scupper the construction of the pipeline.

According to an article by Matthew Karnitschnig from the Politico news service, Berlin was until recently ready to offer Warsaw a deal under which Germany would abandon plans for the contested pipeline in exchange for Poland giving up demands for war reparations from Germany.

(ał/gs)

Source: IAR