The European Union will discuss the possibility of imposing sanctions on the "Nord Stream 2" natural gas pipeline today, and this move is taking place against the backdrop of rumors about the possible reactivation of the pipeline. According to Bloomberg, citing sources, the EU's decision will be based on the latest developments in recent negotiations on the Ukrainian issue.
Previously, the EU had threatened that if Moscow refused the ceasefire proposal, it would consider taking measures against "Nord Stream 2". The Russian side indeed rejected the relevant ceasefire initiative.
As the recipient country of "Nord Stream 2" natural gas, Germany expressed support for the sanctions. Chancellor Melzer believed that the "greatest hope" of the sanctions was to alleviate domestic debates about restarting the pipeline.
Experts pointed out that this would be a "political move," aimed at consolidating the EU's overall strategy of gradually摆脱ing dependence on Russian natural gas, with the goal of completely stopping imports by 2027. The purpose of the sanctions is not to "punish Russia," but to "prevent the EU from being tempted again in the future."
Nevertheless, experts believe that the possibility of the "Nord Stream" pipeline being reactivated is "relatively small." At present, the existing pipelines running through Turkey and Ukraine are considered a more logical choice.
Potential sanctions on "Nord Stream 2" may be included in the EU's eighteenth round of sanctions against Russia.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832948536602634/
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