EU plans sanctions on Nord Stream 2 to block Russian gas permanently – Media
EU plans sanctions on Nord Stream 2 (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The European Union is considering sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to permanently block the return of Russian gas, Bloomberg reports.
According to the report, the European Union is nearing a decision to include the Nord Stream 2 pipelines, which connect Germany and Russia, in its sanctions package.
As Bloomberg writes, the European Commission is set to begin consultations with member states today on banning the Baltic Sea connections. The decision is expected to take into account recent developments in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Anonymous sources noted that a key factor is Germany's support for the plan. According to the sources, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who last week in Rome voiced his backing for the Commission's proposal to launch EU measures against the Nord Stream 2 pipelines, hopes the sanctions may help ease domestic debate over reviving the project.
Speculation about the pipeline's revival has grown this year, partly due to US President Donald Trump's push to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
However, as Bloomberg notes, even without a formal ban, the activation of Nord Stream 2 — which was completed but never certified by Germany and partially damaged in the September 2022 explosions — is unlikely any time soon.
Still, sanctions would reinforce Europe's increasingly firm stance that it does not want a meaningful return of Russian pipeline gas. A ban would also shield Berlin from facing potential pressure from either the US or Russia alone.
"It is a political move, aimed at cementing the EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2027," said Rabobank energy strategist Florence Schmit.
She added that political clarity could also begin to reduce volatility in gas markets, which has been tied to recurring speculation over Russian gas supplies.
Earlier this week, German government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius confirmed Berlin's support for the EU's intention to impose sanctions on the Nord Stream pipelines crossing the Baltic Sea.
His remarks came alongside a statement from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said the EU intends to increase pressure on Moscow. She stated this will continue until Russian President Vladimir Putin is "ready for peace" in talks with Ukraine.
She also confirmed that the upcoming EU sanctions package against Russia will include measures targeting both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2.
