The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is designed for decades, which makes it problematic to question the implementation of such projects. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Energy of Germany Peter Altmeier in an interview with the newspaper Handelsblatt, reports TASS.
He recalled that companies from different European countries are involved in the construction of the gas pipeline. In addition, the gas that will be supplied via Nord Stream 2 is intended not only for Germany, but also for other EU countries.
The head of the department noted the inconsistency of the position of the critics of the project. “I have always believed and still believe that it is problematic once every couple of months to question projects that are conceived for several decades. Otherwise, private investors will no longer be ready to participate [in transactions], ”he explained.
The construction of a gas pipeline from Russia to Germany was supposed to be completed at the end of 2019, but due to US sanctions, the deadline was postponed by at least a year. In the summer of 2020, the United States wanted to increase pressure on the project and extend sanctions to the companies that insure the pipelayers.
Later, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the US was forming a coalition to prevent the completion of the pipeline. According to him, the pipeline poses a risk for Europe, as it becomes dependent on gas coming from Russia, and also threatens Ukraine. Pressure on Germany increased after the intoxication of Alexei Navalny in August 2020.
