This is unpleasant news for Moscow and the dying government of Angela Merkel.
The German energy regulator on Tuesday suspended the approval process for the new Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which is to carry Russian gas to Europe, in particular Germany, via the Baltic Sea.
The regulator requires the consortium based in Switzerland, and the origin of this long underwater pipe, to create a company under German law to obtain an operating license.
If these conditions are met, the Bundesnetzagentur will examine the case.
While gas prices have been soaring in Europe since the end of the summer, the German announcement made them jump again on Tuesday by 9%.
Irritation in Moscow
The news angered the Russians, the main promoters of the pipeline.
"
Any delay in certification, especially on the eve of winter, is not in the interest of the European Union,
" said Konstantin Kosachyov, vice-president of the Duma.
On the other hand, the boss of the Ukrainian group Naftogaz, who could
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