AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
- Russia says that its Nord Stream 2 pipelines are on track with the completion of filling the second pipe with gas.
- It is alleged that the project is not complying with European law.
- The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is seen as a dangerous geopolitical weapon due to strained relations between Russia and the West.
The highly controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is nearing completion, though there is a rocky road ahead. The project has stirred fresh debates on Russia’s intention to establish its dominance over Europe. Reports say that both Nord Stream 2 pipelines have been already filled with gas and are set to transport fuel via an underwater channel, passing from Russia to Europe and bypassing Ukraine.
The pipeline, once completed, will spell a direct supply of natural gas under the Baltic Sea from Ust-Luga in Russia to Lubmin in Germany.
Nord Stream 2 is viewed as a dangerous geopolitical weapon by the Ukrainian authorities. Besides, the US and most European countries (with few exceptions) have vehemently opposed the project.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the gas line would plateau the cost of gas, particularly in Europe, where its limited supply and the price has been a major area of concern in the lead-up to winter.
The pipeline, far behind its scheduled completion, faces stiff opposition from Ukraine, Poland, and the US. The delay in the project is due to the withdrawal of Swiss-Dutch company Allseas, leaving Russia to complete the project independently.
The fear of US sanctions under the Trump administration is why Allseas suspended its pipelaying activity from Russia to Germany.
The pipeline faces legal and bureaucratic hurdles and is awaiting approval from the German and European Union, which is only anticipated at the end of 2022’s first quarter.
Russian government-controlled energy Company Gazprom built the AU$15.2 billion project with half of the cost of the pipeline paid for by a combination of European energy companies.
Putin has reportedly stated that the pipeline project will bring down the gas prices across Europe and Ukraine by increasing the gas supply.
Nonetheless, the tension between Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula and Russian forces has, in the past, seen the US and UK side with Ukraine.
