103 - Was the Nordstream 2 used as an energy weapon?

Was the Nordstream #2 used as an energy weapon?

Angela Merkel said no, it was not.

Before the Ukrainian-Russian counflict started there was a political pressure 

from the UK, USA and several allies to close the Nordstream 2 if Russia enters Ukraine.

As a result the USA and Germany agreed on a deal for the Nordstream 2.

But the UK wanted more and aimed to reduce all Russian gas exports to Europe. 

MERKEL AND NORDSTREAM 2 IN JUNE 2022

18 June 2022 Angela Merkel in the interview:

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has defended her decisions to build the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea gas pipeline.

"I didn't believe in change through trade, but in connection through trade, with the second largest nuclear power in the world,"

Merkel told the Germany editorial network.But it wasn't an easy decision.

"The theory at the time was: If Nord Stream 2 is operational, Putin will no longer supply gas through Ukraine or even attack it."

The West ensured that gas was still routed through Ukraine and that it continued to receive transit fees.

Merkel pointed out that Russia then attacked Ukraine on February 24, when gas was not yet being piped through Nord Stream 2.

“In this sense, gas was not a weapon,” said Merkel.

Merkel also justified the approach at the time with economic considerations.

"At that time, the German economy opted for pipeline gas transport from Russia because it was economically cheaper than liquid gas from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and later also from the USA," she explained.

They were prepared to support the construction of two terminals for liquid natural gas (LNG) in Germany with taxpayers' money.

"But until the last day of my term in office, no company built an LNG terminal in Germany because there was no importer who would book long-term capacity in advance because of the high price."