Is Nord Stream 2, the gas pipeline whose construction was completed in September 2021, the solution to the energy crisis? This is what Vladimir Putin said after the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Europe, responsible for the energy crisis
According to the Russian president, Moscow is not responsible for the energy crisis currently affecting Europe. According to him, Russia is fulfilling its energy obligations. Thus, he says that the opening of Nord Stream 2 could solve the EU’s gas supply problems.
Nord Stream 2, Gazprom’s gas pipeline, has been ready since September 2021. However, Germany has suspended the certification process for Nord Stream 2. The country is asking for more guarantees.
Vladimir Putin states:
“If it is so difficult for you, just lift the sanctions on Nord Stream 2, which represents 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Just press the button and everything will [re]begin.”
Nord Stream gas pipelines, epicenter of the energy war
Nord Stream 2, which lies on the bed of the Baltic Sea, has been operational for about a year. Nevertheless, Germany decided not to put it into service a few days before Russia sent its troops to Ukraine on February 24.
European gas prices have more than doubled compared to the beginning of the year in a context of declining Russian supplies. In the EU, soaring energy prices have squeezed already struggling consumers. In addition, this price increase has forced some industries to stop production.
European leaders then accused Russia of using energy supplies in retaliation for Western sanctions. Russia claims that the West has launched an economic war. It would then be the European sanctions that would have hindered the maintenance operations of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline.
Russian gas giant Gazprom said earlier this month that Nord Stream 1 would remain closed. The closure of Russia’s only gas supply route to Europe then drove up wholesale gas prices.
Russian leaders have also cut off gas supplies to several countries, including Bulgaria and Poland. The reason is that these states refused to pay in rubles rather than in the contract currency.
