Ursula von der Leyen
The head of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen is considering the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as a political project. This is reported by TASS with reference to Echo.
“Hope for the development of our relationship [with Moscow] diminishes with the construction of this gas pipeline. Russia will not change its approach in connection with this infrastructure. Therefore, we must reintegrate this topic into a broader issue of our relations with Moscow, ”said the head of the EC. She also added that the behavior of the Russian side has not improved and “even tends to deteriorate.”
Earlier, the European Parliament decided to stop the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, introduce new sanctions against Russian officials and civil servants, and revise the EU's policy towards Moscow as a whole. Members of the association are urged to isolate Russia in every possible way at international forums, for example, not to invite them to G7 meetings.
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany has been completed by more than 90 percent. It was supposed to be completed at the end of 2019, but due to US sanctions against companies that sell, lease, or provide Russia with pipe-laying vessels, the deadline was pushed back by at least a year. In the summer of 2020, the United States wanted to increase pressure on the project and extend sanctions to companies that insure pipelayers.
