The operator of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, Nord Stream 2 AG, is awaiting proper information from the German regulatory authorities about the suspension of the pipeline certification. This was reported to Izvestia in the company’s press service on Tuesday, February 22.
Nord Stream 2 AG noted that they took note of media reports that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the suspension of the pipeline certification procedure.
“We are unable to comment on these reports and await proper information from the regulatory authorities,” the press service said.
Earlier in the day, Scholz said that the German Ministry of Economy had received an order to stop the certification of SP-2 against the backdrop of Russia’s recognition of the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR). The Bundeschancellor stressed that Berlin’s reaction to Moscow’s actions would be united. He stated that it is impossible to put the gas pipeline into operation without certification.
In addition, Scholz promised that anti-Russian sanctions after the latest events will be adopted during this day.
Shortly before that, the Federal Grid Agency of Germany reported that the certification process for SP-2 would be suspended until all necessary documents were submitted to the German regulator.
Certification of Nord Stream 2 by the German regulator can legally last four months. At the end of the procedure, the document must be sent to the European Commission, which has two more months to consider, but it can ask for an extension for another two months.
In November last year, the German regulator suspended the certification of Nord Stream 2 AG as an independent gas pipeline operator and indicated the need to establish a subsidiary in Germany. On January 26, 2022, Nord Stream 2 AG registered such a “daughter” – Gas for Europe GMBH.
The construction of Nord Stream 2 was completed on September 10. It was built from Russia to Germany along the bottom of the Baltic Sea for the purpose of direct gas supplies to Europe. The EU countries mainly support the project and participate in its implementation. The Baltic States, Poland, the United States and Ukraine are opposed.
The situation on the contact line in Donbass escalated on February 17, 2022. The DPR and LPR reported heavy shelling by Ukrainian security forces, including with heavy weapons.
On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the LNR and the DNR. The heads of these republics, Leonid Pasechnik and Denis Pushilin, also signed an agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance with the Russian Federation.
#Nord #Stream #announces #expectation #Germany #information #certification #SP2