Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the EU Chizhov: it is difficult to predict the timing of Nord Stream 2 certification
Photo: Maxim Shemetov / Reuters
It is difficult to predict the timing of certification of the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline; there is no clear-cut position of the European Union on this issue yet. This was stated by the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the EU Vladimir Chizhov, quoted by RIA Novosti.
He also commented on rumors about the possible politicization of this problem. Chizhov believes that certification is indeed more of a political than a legal or technical issue. At the same time, it is difficult to predict when the procedure will end, Chizhov added.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz finally came to an agreement on Nord Stream 2 and admitted that they could not use energy as a weapon to destabilize Europe. Berbock said the German government might question the need to operate the pipeline if Moscow launched an offensive against Ukraine. While Western countries do not provide evidence of the intentions that Russia allegedly has, Berlin and Washington have agreed on measures to deal with escalation.
16 Germany temporarily suspended the certification process for Nord Stream 2, noting that this is due to legal changes.
