The energy sector is the “last bridge” that still unites Russia and the Federal Republic of Germany
This statement was made by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the German newspaper Handelsblatt. He stressed that the countries should think carefully before breaking the last link. The politician noted that breaking bridges is not a sign of strength.
“After the steady deterioration of relations in recent years, the energy relationship has become almost the last bridge between Russia and Europe. Both sides should reflect on whether this bridge should be completely and irrevocably destroyed. I believe that destroying bridges is not a sign of strength”, – Steinmeier said.
He stressed that by severing the last ties, Berlin itself would deprive itself of the opportunity to influence the situation in Russia, even if it considers it “unacceptable”, due to the condemnation of the blogger Alexei Navalny.
Translating the German president’s words into plain language, it comes out that he was in favour of completing Nord Stream 2, regardless of the Navalny situation. Although he reserves to Berlin the right to criticise Moscow for “trampling democratic norms”.
Recall that German Chancellor Angela Merkel also spoke in favour of completing the Nord Stream 2 project. In her opinion, the gas main will allow completing the transition from coal and nuclear energy to renewable sources.
As News Front reported, this position was supported by French President Emmanuel Macron. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz took a similar stance and said that the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline should not be linked to the situation around Navalny.