The German government stops the certification of the Nord Stream 2 projects after Russia recognizes the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR). This was stated on Tuesday, February 22, by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“The situation today is radically different, and therefore, in the light of recent developments, we must re-evaluate it, however, as far as the Nord Stream 2 is concerned. I asked the Ministry of Economy today to withdraw a report from the Federal Grid Agency with an analysis of energy security,” Scholz said.
He added that this is a technical, but “necessary administrative and legal step,” on the basis of which the certification of the pipeline cannot take place. According to him, Russia’s recognition of the independence of the DPR and LPR violates international law and will not remain without consequences.
The head of the German Cabinet of Ministers said that the decision of President Putin to recognize the republics represents “a serious violation of international law” and the UN Charter, so “these actions will not remain without consequences.”
However, as reminded, the issue of Nord Stream 2 seemed to have a geostrategic side for German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. This was stated by her on January 17, in Kiev, Ukraine.
The construction of Nord Stream 2 was fully completed on September 10, 2021. It was originally planned to be completed by the end of 2019, but construction was delayed due to US sanctions. On November 16, the German Federal Network Agency suspended the certification due to organizational and legal issues. On December 29, President Putin said that Russia and its partners had fulfilled all tasks of creating the Nord Stream 2, however, the pipeline was still halted.
Ru-Main, 22.02.2022
Source: TASS
