Paris/Berlin: Tension between the two leading powers is mounting in Europe, France and Germany, over the Nord Stream -2 fuel pipeline project- being executed between Russia and Germany. France had demanded suspension of the Nord Stream -2 project, in view of the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin against his opponent Alexi Navalny. But it is reported that Germany has rejected the French demand. Sources claimed that repercussions of the tension created, over this matter, will even be felt in the European Union meeting.
In 2014, Russia started exploring alternative modes to supply fuel to the European countries, after its conflict with Ukraine. Nord Stream fuel pipeline is an important part of the scheme. Moreover, the first stage has already been completed. The gas carrying capacity of the first stage is 55 billion cubic metres and the plan is to extend it to 110 billion cubic metres through the medium of Nord Stream-2. There is an agreement in place between Russia and Germany for this. Besides, both the countries have started preparations to take the project forward.
The United States has exerted tremendous pressure on Germany over the Project. Former President Donald Trump even imposed sanctions against the European and Russian companies participating in the project. The Biden administration has warned that the policy will be continued and the United States will explore every possible option to stop the project. Against this background, France has demanded suspension of the project, citing the actions taken against Navalny.
French European Affairs Minister Clément Beaune demanded that Germany suspend the project saying that wee have already conveyed the Nord Stream -2 project’s objections, time and again. An appeal has been made to Germany to exit from this project. Preparations are being made in Europe, to reply to the Russian actions against Navalny. Only imposing sanctions against Russia will not be enough. Nord Stream-2 can be an important option. Germany dismissed the French demand in all honesty. German spokeswoman Martina Fitz clarified that Germany has still not changed its stance on the Nord Stream-2 pipeline project. The German foreign department also said that the project will be completed and stated that Germany was aware of the French position, in this regard.
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