Merz Backs Permanent Ban on Nord Stream Pipelines as EU Targets Russian Energy Leverage
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly throwing his full support behind a European Union initiative to permanently ban the operation of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, aiming to preempt any joint efforts by Russia and the United States to resume gas flows through the infrastructure.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Financial Times.
Merz’s government has signaled alignment with the proposed ban as part of the EU’s upcoming sanctions package targeting Russia for its continued aggression against Ukraine.
Three senior officials revealed that Merz is determined to shut down internal discussions in Germany about the feasibility of reviving the controversial pipeline projects. The Chancellor’s resolve reportedly intensified following a March FT report indicating that Kremlin-linked Russian and American businessmen were exploring ways to restart the gas corridor. This prompted Merz to launch urgent consultations with EU and German officials on how to shut down the prospect entirely.
One official noted that placing Nord Stream under EU sanctions not only neutralizes a politically sensitive issue for Merz but also shifts the burden of enforcement from Berlin to Brussels.
Although Germany does not directly operate any of the four Nord Stream pipelines, three of which were rendered inoperable by sabotage in 2022, it holds regulatory power over their certification. Without German approval, any future restart would be legally blocked.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently referenced the Nord Stream pipelines in her remarks on the bloc’s next round of sanctions, reportedly following consultations with Merz. Formal negotiations between the Commission and EU member states are expected to begin later this week.
As The Gaze reported earlier, EU officials have said the sanctions against Nord Stream Pipelines aim to deter future investment in Russian gas transport infrastructure and eliminate incentives for stakeholders to support these projects going forward.