The German authorities will prepare a response in case the White House imposes additional sanctions against the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline, Bloomberg reports, citing government sources in Berlin.
In an internal document of the German Ministry of Economy, the new US sanctions could affect a significant number of European companies and banks, as well as government organizations. According to the agency, in response to this, the government of Angela Merkel is considering a plan for coordinated actions of the European Union.
Gas pipeline construction
The Nord Stream-2 project involves the laying of two pipelines from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany. Ukraine is actively opposed to the construction, fearing to lose transit, as well as the United States, which wants to promote its LNG to the European market.
At the end of last year, the US authorities adopted a defense budget that provides for sanctions against companies involved in laying the pipeline. As a result, the Swiss Allseas almost immediately stopped work and diverted the vessels.
Russia can build the gas pipeline on its own using the Akademik Chersky pipe-laying machine. Now it is located in the port of Mukran, the logistics base for Nord Stream-2.
At the same time, in Washington they declare the possibility of tougher sanctions: Republican senators have already introduced a bill, which, in particular, proposes to extend restrictions to companies engaged in insurance of pipe-laying vessels.