The sabotage of two gas pipelines in the Baltic rekindles geopolitical tensions between Russia and Europe, in the context of the invasion of Ukraine. While the American and Russian media are putting forward conflicting versions, the investigation into the operation is facing difficulties of attribution.

The investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines is progressing in Germany. A suspect vessel was searched last January, while leads point to a Polish company and a ship from Rostock.

Ukraine categorically denies any responsibility for the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. While the accusations of the New York Times refer to a "pro-Ukrainian group", the Ukrainian Defense Minister has denied any involvement in this mysterious submarine attack.

According to information consulted by American intelligence, a "pro-Ukrainian group" was behind the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea last year. This act has added to the geopolitical tension around these pipelines which have been at the heart of the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine.

The controversial Nord Stream gas pipeline project under the Baltic Sea remains on hold after sources close to the project said the pipelines would not be repaired or reactivated in the foreseeable future due to geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West.

Since the Russian occupation of the Zaporijjia nuclear power plant in March 2022, power generation has been interrupted and the plant is now used as a military base. Russian troops are said to be present there in large numbers and the local population is said to have decreased considerably.

The European Commission is proposing a discussion with the United States to benefit from the subsidies of Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act climate plan, while expressing its concern about multinationals' investments in Europe.

Particles of 83.7% enriched uranium were detected in the underground plant at Fordo. Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, is expected to be in Tehran to discuss this issue and to restart the dialogue between the IAEA and Iran.

Morocco and Algeria are battling for control of the European energy market with competing pipeline projects. But with the EU's decision to move toward cleaner energy, these mega-projects are raising questions about their relevance.

In a recent statement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the significant impact of economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States, the European Union and their allies, including on the country's budget deficit and oil revenues. She also stressed the strategic consequences of these sanctions for the Kremlin.

Iran-Israel tensions: the Israeli Prime Minister accused Iran of being responsible for the attack on an oil tanker linked to an Israeli businessman in the Arabian Sea.

The Spanish government strengthens its sanctions against Russian oil products following the European Union. Only vessels that have re-flagged after February 24, 2022 may be exempted. This time, the Maersk Magellan was refused at Tarragona because of a cargo of oil products of Russian origin.

Hungarian Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Gergely Gulyas announced on Thursday his government's 2030 energy strategy, which includes cooperation with Croatia to increase the capacity of the Adriatic pipeline. Hungary, which is heavily dependent on Russian fuel imports, wants to allow its Danube refinery to process more non-Russian crude.

The European embargo on Russian oil does not seem to have the desired effect on all European countries. Poland continues to cover about 10% of its oil needs from Russia, according to a deputy minister of state assets. Although Poland has diversified its oil supply sources, the existing contract with the Russian oil group Tatneft still covers part of its needs.

The joint declaration of the European heads of state and government stated that procedures for state aid should be simplified, accelerated and more predictable in order to stimulate the ecological transition. However, there are still divisions among member states as to how this flexibility should be implemented.

France has decided to focus on its aging nuclear fleet to produce more hydrogen as a replacement for non-renewable polluting sources. However, the French objectives have been jeopardized by differences of opinion among EU member countries as to the classification of this hydrogen as "clean" and renewable.

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels on Thursday to discuss two crucial issues: the EU's industrial policy in the face of US and Chinese competition, and the management of migration at the EU's borders.

The underwater explosions of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines last year raised questions about who was responsible. While the accusations are directed at Russia, an article by the famous American investigative journalist Seymour Hersh accuses the United States and Norway of being behind the sabotage.

The oil market reacted to increased demand in Turkey due to earthquakes and a recovery in Chinese demand. Brent and WTI prices rose by 2.30% and 2.46% respectively. This situation allows the oil industry to envisage a recovery that favors sustainable development.

The European Union is taking drastic measures to counter the Russian occupation of Ukraine by imposing a ban on Russian refined oil products, accompanied by price caps. Penalties will be applied if the cap level is exceeded.

Turkey accuses Cyprus of increasing tensions in the eastern Mediterranean over gas exploration.

IFA 1, the electrical interconnection between France and the United Kingdom, is expected to return to normal by the end of January 2023.

Cyprus has significant natural gas resources that are coveted, so the island seems to become an opportunity.

China and the Arab countries are continuing their energy cooperation, which is one of the main components of the partnership.

Emmanuel Macron has called on EU leaders to go "faster" and "stronger" in their response to the massive US subsidy plan.