Germany has not yet approved the use of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline intended to transport Russian gas to Europe. The German energy agency has not granted a permit because the Russian pipeline does not comply with German regulations.
In the new German traffic light coalition, the Greens demand more guarantees from Moscow. The previous German government was keen on having the pipeline. Two of the three parties (the Greens and FDP) oppose the project, while the SPD supports it. It is still unclear what this means for Germany’s approval of the pipeline.
The German energy agency states that it can only grant a permit if the entire operation becomes a gas transport company under German law. Currently, it is a company based in Switzerland, with a subsidiary in Germany responsible only for the German section of the gas pipeline.
The regulator is now suspending the procedure to grant a permit as long as Nord Stream 2 AG has not transferred its main assets and personnel to the German subsidiary. Only once all conditions are met will a draft decision be prepared. This draft will then still need to be submitted to the European Commission for consultation.
Within the EU, several member states have serious reservations. The pipeline is meant to bring Russian gas through northeastern Germany to Europe. The gas pipeline was constructed by the Russian state giant Gazprom, together with Western companies Uniper, Wintershall, Engie, OMV, and Shell.
Nord Stream 2 has been the subject of a highly intense political conflict for years between Russia, Europe, and the United States. The US argues that Europe is becoming too dependent on Russian gas and risks falling victim to energy blackmail.