FX.co ★ German lawmaker backs Nord Stream 2

According to the Russian mass media, it seems that Germany worries about Nord Stream 2 even more than Russia. News about the launch of the gas pipeline or the end of its construction has been widely circulating in the media.

Thus, a statement made by the Chairman of the Bundestag Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy, Klaus Ernst, instilled optimism in Russia. This refers to Ernst’s comment on the importance of new sanctions against Russia proposed by France. This also includes tougher restrictions against the Nord Stream 2 project.

Ernst underlined that the suspension of the already approved project would only burden Germany with the obligation to make compensation payments for the construction investments. Therefore, if Germany scraps Nord Stream 2, it will result in higher gas prices for German taxpayers who will have to bear responsibilities for Russia’s faults.

The lawmaker’s statement came as Clement Beaune, France's Secretary of State for European affairs, said that Paris was contemplating new sanctions against Moscow. He also added that the European Union did not exclude the possibility of harsh measures against the almost finished gas pipeline that would link Russia with Germany.