Germany Urging US Lawmakers Not to Sanction Nord Stream 2
Germany is privately urging Congress not to push for more sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, which it said could “undercut” European energy security and “seriously weaken transatlantic unity on Russia,” Axios reported Nov. 28. In a November “non-paper,” which was intended to be used in closed discussions, the Germany Embassy in Washington said the U.S. shouldn’t increase pressure on the project. It also reaffirmed its commitment to the joint declaration issued earlier this year (see 2107220008) that said it would push for European Union sanctions against Russia if the country weaponizes the pipeline.
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But until then, the U.S. shouldn’t take any more action, the paper said. “US Sanctions targeting Nord Stream 2 would undermine the commitment given to Germany in the Joint Statement, weaken the credibility of the US government, and endanger the achievements of the Joint Statement, including the provisions supporting Ukraine," Germany wrote. "They would ultimately damage transatlantic unity."
The German Embassy didn't comment. U.S. lawmakers and other international security efforts have strongly urged the Biden administration to increase sanctions pressure on the pipeline project (see 2111220050), and new mandatory sanctions could be included in the annual defense policy bill (see 2111090029).