German chancellor supports Nord Stream block
(MENAFN) German Chancellor Frederick Merz is backing an EU initiative to prohibit the use of the Nord Stream gas pipelines and is working to block any efforts to resume energy trade with Russia, the Financial Times reported on Friday.
This stance comes amid reports that Russia and the United States are exploring options to restart shipments via the intact Nord Stream 2 pipeline, as part of broader attempts to normalize relations between Moscow and Washington.
According to the FT, citing insiders, Merz has initiated discussions in Berlin and Brussels to prevent such a revival, possibly aiming to delegate the final decision to the EU level.
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which run under the Baltic Sea and connect Russia to Germany, have been inactive since 2022 due to EU sanctions and sabotage—an attack Russia blames on Western intelligence agencies.
Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the pipelines would be included in the EU’s upcoming 18th sanctions package targeting Russia.
The proposed restrictions would focus on Nord Stream 2 AG, the Switzerland-based company owning the pipelines, as well as other firms involved in their potential operation and restart.
French Euroskeptic politician Florian Philippot criticized the EU’s plan, calling it “madness” and warning that it would deal a “death blow” to European industries.
His concerns reflect wider worries over the economic impact of cutting off Russian energy. Since the 2022 sabotage and sanctions, European gas prices have surged fourfold, severely affecting both industry and consumers.
Before 2022, Russia supplied up to 60% of Germany’s natural gas needs. The loss of this affordable supply led to production slowdowns and job cuts in the industrial sector.
Recently, more German industrial figures and politicians have called for the return of Russian gas imports. Christian Gunther, managing director of the Leuna chemical park in eastern Germany, told Reuters that affordable Russian gas is critical to revitalizing industries such as chemicals.
Moscow has consistently maintained that it remains a dependable supplier and is open to negotiations on restarting gas exports to Europe.
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