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Annalena Baerbock (archive picture)
Photo: Guido Kirchner / DPA
Winter is approaching, gas prices are rising - and the discussion about Nord Stream 2 is gaining momentum again.
Most recently, Russia had increased the pressure on Germany, now the Green boss has spoken out.
In an interview with the Funke media group, Annalena Baerbock pleaded not to issue an operating permit for the pipeline project for the time being.
According to European energy law, the operator "must be different from the one who conducts the gas," said the politician: "As long as it is one and the same company, the operating license may not be granted."
The pipeline, which is around 1200 kilometers long, is intended to transport gas from Russia to Germany.
The Federal Network Agency is currently examining the application for certification.
In fact, it is particularly a question of whether the operators comply with the EU rules on unbundling, according to which gas production and gas transport must be separated.
Baerbock accused Russia of a "poker game" with energy prices and warned: "We mustn't allow ourselves to be blackmailed."
Russian ambassador declines
The Russian ambassador to Germany, Sergei Netschajew, naturally sees things a little differently.
According to his own statements, he expects the coming federal government to stick to Nord Stream 2.
»The project corresponds to the interests of the German economy and the population.
It guarantees energy security, "said Netschajew of the" Berliner Zeitung ".
In addition, it is a project of several European countries.
Natural gas supplies are "not a means of political pressure" for Russia, "but good business for everyone involved," said Nechayev.
The Ambassador of Russia to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov, had previously spoken on the subject.
The state news agency RIA distributed a report on Tuesday with statements from the Russian top diplomat.
The RIA quotes the diplomat as saying that the pipeline has already been built and one line has already been filled with gas.
Moscow wants more speed - and is applying pressure
Now "the ball is in the goal of the German supervisory authorities."
They now officially have until January 8th to decide on certification.
Should the German authority decide "to do this earlier, it is of course better for the end user," said Tschischow.
Even if there are no indications of a tough Russian ultimatum in the quotations given, the message has been set, Moscow would like more speed with the pending certification of the controversial Baltic Sea pipeline.
Gas prices are currently rising rapidly in the EU.
Politicians and some experts blame Russia for this: The Russian state monopoly Gazprom is holding back available gas quantities in order to achieve faster commissioning of Nord Stream 2 with the price pressure.
Most recently, the British State Secretary Theodore Agnew blamed Moscow for the sharp rise in gas prices.
“The current rise in gas prices has nothing to do with the amount of gas available.
It is a geopolitical move by Russia to put pressure on Europe, ”said Agnew in the House of Lords last week.
jok / dpa
