Nord Stream 2 construction resumes despite new US sanctions | DW News

US lawmakers have agreed to extend sanctions on companies involved in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, just as the Russian-led company behind the project reportedly resumed construction — about a year after work was halted.

Under the draft of the annual US defense policy legislation for 2021, agreed to by US lawmakers on Thursday, more firms involved in the €9.5 billion ($11.6 billion) pipeline to deliver gas from Russia's Siberia region to Germany could be hit with penalties. Companies that facilitate the construction of the pipeline, including ships that help operations to lay pipelines or move rock formations on the seabed, would face sanctions, along with those that provide insurance, reinsurance, testing, inspection and certification services.

More than 120 companies from 12 European countries could be affected, according to reports. The defense bill still has to be passed by Congress. The construction of Nord Stream 2 is nearly complete. Just a 120-kilometer (74-mile) stretch of the 1,230-kilometer pipeline needs finishing. The pipeline will double Russian deliveries of natural gas to Germany, Europe's largest economy. As well as the US, Poland and Ukraine oppose the construction, saying Nord Stream 2 will give Moscow a stranglehold over Germany. The German government has said the pipeline will create a direct and secure energy supply, with gas demand in the country growing as it cuts dependence on nuclear and coal power.

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[themsmloveswar]

It is a "defence" Bill? How far is it from the US border?

[sqxnult]

The US should focus on their own country instead of lecturing others.
Because of the current crisis there are 50million Americans who haven't got enough money for food. Focus on that America!

[AMprd]

Just love it that the US likes the free market, but only if you buy from the US.

[YusufGinnah]

How should this be a problem to the US?
They should stay in their lane.

[bertnijhof]

Is Germany a sovereign state or a vassal state like Canada? A question from a Dutchman.

[neilclark]

The US should mind their own business. NS2 is a pirvate investment project and does not violate international laws or agreements. US LNG is not competetive with Russian gas and their fracking industry is dying anyway. So, what's the point here, apart from bullying Europe?

[ztz]

I still fail to see how this could have anything to do with the US

[Dayusi-]

Germany economic interests should be a priority. Americans should concentrate with fighting covid.

[donkalzone]

Yes, bully your allies. That will work out fine for sure

[sydney]

Why the US not just focus on their own issues at home?

[wchane]

Wouldn’t this pipeline diversify Germany’s gas supply? How would this be any threat except to be an alternative to US gas and encourage competitive gas pricing.

[bernkoh]

Be a man ...Germany..! Remember once you're a strong country..don't be threaten by US..

[snifferking]

Germany should cut off the mainwaterpipeline to Ramstein.

[maximme]

sTOP THREATENING AUTONOMY OF hongkong...

OOPS
I meant EU.

[darwinstubbie]

The Germans have to tell US Ambassadors to mind their own business and get lost.

[M-a-k-o]

The North Stream 2 project is *not* controversial just because the global policeman says so. It is aimed at ensuring Europe's energy supply as opposed to be dependent on an erratic US administration which is bent on selling expensive fracking gas.

[cutie]

america is against Huawei for 5G because of China, and it is against the nord stream because of russia....hmmm...sounds like a big bully to me. who is the biggest bully in the world???

[earthman]

Mitch and his buddies should be putting sanctions for the Dakota Oil Pipeline through Tribal lands.
Keep your own house in order!

[danielmunoz]

Me, eating popcorn and watching from Canada in my pajamas: BUILD IT!! BUILD IT!! BUILD IT!! BUILD IT!! :)

[DennisCambly]

Conventional natural gas from Russia vs Fracked shale gas from the US. To finish the project it is not 160 kilometers. Closer to 30 km because the landing area for Nord Stream 2 in Germany is completed. Politicians who promote sanctions rather than diplomacy are dead beats. The pipeline across Ukraine to Europe remains contrary to media bias and lies.