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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is actively supporting a proposed EU ban on the Nord Stream pipelines that connect Russia to Germany. The aim is to prevent any US and Russian efforts to reactivate the gas links. Merz’s government recently endorsed the ban as part of the upcoming round of sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine. This move was made to ensure that there are no domestic debates about the potential reactivation of the pipelines.
Reports in the Financial Times in March revealed that Kremlin-linked Russian and US business people were seeking to restart the privately owned pipelines. This prompted Merz to start discussions with officials in Berlin and Brussels on how to prevent this from happening. By adding Nord Stream to the EU sanctions list, it potentially removes a political problem for Merz and allows him to “Europeanize” the fate of the pipeline.
The EU restrictions would target Nord Stream 2 AG, the Switzerland-based entity that owns the pipelines, as well as any other companies necessary for the restart and operation of the pipelines. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has mentioned Nord Stream as part of the new package of sanctions being worked on by her team, with the support of Chancellor Merz.
Nord Stream, a brainchild of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, was once a symbol of the economic ties between Russia and Germany. However, it has been a point of contention between Berlin and Washington, with the US urging Germany to reduce its energy dependence on Russia. The recent discussions about restarting the pipeline have reignited the debate on Germany’s energy relationship with Russia.
Despite some calls for resuming Russian gas supplies, particularly from far-right and some center-right politicians, the government is committed to imposing sanctions to cut off Russia from revenues that could finance its aggression in Ukraine. The ongoing discussions within Germany reflect the complexities of balancing economic interests with geopolitical considerations.
In conclusion, the stance taken by Chancellor Merz on Nord Stream reflects the broader debate within Germany on its relationship with Russia and the geopolitical implications of energy dependence. The upcoming EU sanctions and discussions around the pipelines will continue to be a key focal point in the ongoing debate on German politics and foreign policy. Stay informed by signing up for the German Politics myFT Digest to receive all the latest updates directly to your inbox.
