Germany's energy regulator Bundesnetzagentur has suspended the cerfication process of Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.

According to the regulator, ''A certification for the operation of Nord Stream 2 will only be considered once the operator is organised in a legal shape compliant with German law.''

To obtain an operating license, the pipeline&nbsp;now requires a Swiss-based consortium to fulfill further prerequisites.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-is-nord-stream-2-pipeline-controversial-but-unstoppable-399754">Also read |&nbsp;Why is Nord Stream 2 pipeline controversial but unstoppable?</a>

The decision of the temporary halt in approval process is a major setback for the $12 billion project.

In response, it issued a statement saying, ''Our company undertakes this step to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations. We are not in the position to comment on the details of the procedure, its possible duration and impacts on the timing of the start of the pipeline operations.''

The pipeline, that will be laid under the Baltic Sea, has experienced several delays after being embroiled in mutiple disputes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-germany-to-announce-deal-on-nord-stream-2-pipeline-in-coming-days-sources-399131">Also read |&nbsp;US, Germany to announce deal on Nord Stream 2 pipeline in coming days: Sources</a>

It has become a geopolitical hot potato as German chancellor Angela Merkel had warned Russian President Vladimir Project of dropping the project due to its conflict with Ukraine.

However, the project will double the gas supply from Russia and Germany. It will also help in the transition towards nuclear energy.

Critics have condemned the pipeline as it deprives Ukraine of a transit fees and bypasses Ukraine's gas infrastructure.

The dispute comes as Europe, which receives a third of its gas from Russia, is battling surging energy prices just as the continent heads into the colder winter season.

Germany's energy regulator Bundesnetzagentur has suspended the cerfication process of Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. According to the regulator, ''A certification for the operation of Nord Stream 2 will only be considered once the operator is organised in a legal shape compliant with German law.

Germany's energy regulator Bundesnetzagentur has suspended the cerfication process of Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. According to the regulator, ''A certification for the operation of Nord Stream 2 will only be considered once the operator is organised in a legal shape compliant with German law.'' To obtain an operating license, the pipeline now requires a Swiss-based consortium to fulfill further prerequisites. Also read | Why is Nord Stream 2 pipeline controversial but unstoppable? The decision of the temporary halt in approval process is a major setback for the $12 billion project. In response, it issued a statement saying, ''Our company undertakes this step to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations. We are not in the position to comment on the details of the procedure, its possible duration and impacts on the timing of the start of the pipeline operations.'' The pipeline, that will be laid under the Baltic Sea, has experienced several delays after being embroiled in mutiple disputes. Also read | US, Germany to announce deal on Nord Stream 2 pipeline in coming days: Sources It has become a geopolitical hot potato as German chancellor Angela Merkel had warned Russian President Vladimir Project of dropping the project due to its conflict with Ukraine. However, the project will double the gas supply from Russia and Germany. It will also help in the transition towards nuclear energy. Critics have condemned the pipeline as it deprives Ukraine of a transit fees and bypasses Ukraine's gas infrastructure. The dispute comes as Europe, which receives a third of its gas from Russia, is battling surging energy prices just as the continent heads into the colder winter season.

Germany's energy regulator suspends certification of Nord Stream 2 project

The United States has reached a deal with Germany to prevent Russia from using its Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The deal aims to invest more than 200 million euros in energy security in Ukraine as well as sustainable energy across Europe.

US and Germany reach a deal over controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline

Why is Nord Stream 2 pipeline controversial but unstoppable?

The United States and Germany are expected to announce in coming days a deal resolving their long-standing dispute over Russia's $11 billion Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, sources familiar with the matter said on Monday. 
 
President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel failed to settle their differences over the undersea pipeline when they met last week, but agreed Moscow must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon against its neighbours. 
 
A deal is now in sight after discussions among US&nbsp;and German officials about US&nbsp;concerns that the pipeline, which is 98% complete, will increase Europe's dependence on Russian gas, and could rob Ukraine of the transit fees it now collects on gas pumped through an existing pipeline. 
 
An agreement would avert the resumption of currently waived US&nbsp;sanctions against Nord Stream 2 AG, the company behind the pipeline, and its chief executive. 
 
Details were not immediately available, but the sources said the deal would include commitments by both sides to ensure increased investment in Ukraine's energy sector to offset any negative fallout from the new pipeline, which will bring gas from the Arctic to Germany under the Baltic Sea. 
 
"It's looking good," said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are still ongoing. "We expect those conversations to reach resolution in coming days." 
 
A second source said the two sides were nearing an agreement that would assuage concerns raised by US&nbsp;lawmakers, as well as those of Ukraine. 
 
Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will meet with senior Ukrainian government officials in Kyiv on Tuesday and Wednesday to reinforce the strategic value of US-Ukrainian ties, the State Department said on Monday. 
 
One of the sources said the United States was eager to ensure that Ukraine supported the expected agreement with Germany. 
 
The Biden administration concluded in May that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO engaged in sanctionable behavior. But Biden waived the sanctions to allow time to work out a deal and keep rebuilding ties with Germany that were badly frayed during former President Donald Trump`s administration. 
 
In addition to assurances by Germany about its willingness to "reverse flow" gas to Ukraine if Russia ever cuts off supplies to Eastern Europe, the sources said the agreement would include a pledge by both countries to invest in Ukraine's energy transformation, energy efficiency and energy security. 
 
It was not immediately clear whether both countries would announce significant government investments, or whether they would seek to leverage private investments in Ukraine.

The United States and Germany are expected to announce in coming days a deal resolving their long-standing dispute over Russia's $11 billion Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, sources familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The United States and Germany are expected to announce in coming days a deal resolving their long-standing dispute over Russia's $11 billion Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, sources familiar with the matter said on Monday. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel failed to settle their differences over the undersea pipeline when they met last week, but agreed Moscow must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon against its neighbours. A deal is now in sight after discussions among US and German officials about US concerns that the pipeline, which is 98% complete, will increase Europe's dependence on Russian gas, and could rob Ukraine of the transit fees it now collects on gas pumped through an existing pipeline. An agreement would avert the resumption of currently waived US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 AG, the company behind the pipeline, and its chief executive. Details were not immediately available, but the sources said the deal would include commitments by both sides to ensure increased investment in Ukraine's energy sector to offset any negative fallout from the new pipeline, which will bring gas from the Arctic to Germany under the Baltic Sea. "It's looking good," said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are still ongoing. "We expect those conversations to reach resolution in coming days." A second source said the two sides were nearing an agreement that would assuage concerns raised by US lawmakers, as well as those of Ukraine. Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will meet with senior Ukrainian government officials in Kyiv on Tuesday and Wednesday to reinforce the strategic value of US-Ukrainian ties, the State Department said on Monday. One of the sources said the United States was eager to ensure that Ukraine supported the expected agreement with Germany. The Biden administration concluded in May that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO engaged in sanctionable behavior. But Biden waived the sanctions to allow time to work out a deal and keep rebuilding ties with Germany that were badly frayed during former President Donald Trump`s administration. In addition to assurances by Germany about its willingness to "reverse flow" gas to Ukraine if Russia ever cuts off supplies to Eastern Europe, the sources said the agreement would include a pledge by both countries to invest in Ukraine's energy transformation, energy efficiency and energy security. It was not immediately clear whether both countries would announce significant government investments, or whether they would seek to leverage private investments in Ukraine.

US, Germany to announce deal on Nord Stream 2 pipeline in coming days: Sources

Nord Stream 2: The US has long claimed that the project was a geopolitical manoeuver by Russia that will undermine Ukraine's role in transiting energy to Europe.

Biden meets Merkel at White House, raises concerns about Nord Stream 2 pipeline

US House of Representatives panel passed an amendment this week to repeal US State Department's ability to waive sanctions on Russia's &nbsp;Nord steam 2 natural gas pipeline. This may put pressure on Biden administration to block the Russian project.

"These sanctions are mandatory not discretionary," said Representative Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat and a sponsor of the amendment to a foreign aid bill. The House panel passed it unanimously.

The amendment passed by the House of Representatives panel seeks to repeal sanctions waiver in fiscal year 2022. But the pipeline is 95 per cent finished. The bill however, has a long way to go before becoming a law. The amendment needs to pass another House committee, the full House, the Senate. Biden will then sign the bill into the law.

In May, the State Department sent to Congress a report that concluded that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO, Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in sanctionable activity. But Secretary of State Antony Blinken immediately waived those sanctions, saying it was in the U.S. national interest.

President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has opposed the $11 billion project that would take Russian gas from the Arctic to Germany, saying it is a bad deal for Europe. But Biden also wants to improve ties with Germany, an ally he needs to help deal with broader issues including climate change, the economic recovery and relations with Iran and China. The United States is an exporter of natural gas to Europe in the form of LNG, but Russian gas is cheaper.

Washington fears Russia could use Nord Stream 2 as leverage to weaken European Union states by increasing their dependency on Moscow. The project, now about 95% complete, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of lucrative transit fees and potentially undermining its struggle against Russian aggression.

(With inputs from agencies)

US House of Representatives panel passed an amendment this week to repeal US State Department's ability to waive sanctions on Russia's Nord steam 2 natural gas pipeline.

US House of Representatives panel passed an amendment this week to repeal US State Department's ability to waive sanctions on Russia's Nord steam 2 natural gas pipeline. This may put pressure on Biden administration to block the Russian project. "These sanctions are mandatory not discretionary," said Representative Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat and a sponsor of the amendment to a foreign aid bill. The House panel passed it unanimously. The amendment passed by the House of Representatives panel seeks to repeal sanctions waiver in fiscal year 2022. But the pipeline is 95 per cent finished. The bill however, has a long way to go before becoming a law. The amendment needs to pass another House committee, the full House, the Senate. Biden will then sign the bill into the law. In May, the State Department sent to Congress a report that concluded that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO, Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in sanctionable activity. But Secretary of State Antony Blinken immediately waived those sanctions, saying it was in the U.S. national interest. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has opposed the $11 billion project that would take Russian gas from the Arctic to Germany, saying it is a bad deal for Europe. But Biden also wants to improve ties with Germany, an ally he needs to help deal with broader issues including climate change, the economic recovery and relations with Iran and China. The United States is an exporter of natural gas to Europe in the form of LNG, but Russian gas is cheaper. Washington fears Russia could use Nord Stream 2 as leverage to weaken European Union states by increasing their dependency on Moscow. The project, now about 95% complete, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of lucrative transit fees and potentially undermining its struggle against Russian aggression. (With inputs from agencies)

US House panel passes amendment seeking to repeal waivers on Nord Stream 2

U.S. officials have warned that the pipeline will make Europe more dependent on Russian energy supplies and bypass Ukraine

Germany, U.S. discuss Nord Stream 2 in Washington

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops.

Something similar happened in Europe. America waged a war not on a country, but a construction. But two years later, it realised the futility of it.

This is about Nord Stream 2. It's a Russian gas pipeline project. It's a pretty controversial one. The Trump administration slapped sanctions on it in 2019 and early 2021.

America had egg on its face, when construction carried on. If anything, the sanctions only alienated America from one of its key European allies:&nbsp;Germany.

Now, US President Joe Biden is in the White House. And he is being torn by conflicting demands at home and outside.

Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support in the US.&nbsp;It also carries great geopolitical and strategic importance. But upping the ante against Nord Stream 2 could cost America dearly.

So, his administration has tried to kill three birds with one stone.&nbsp;

The original Nord Stream runs from Vyborg in Russia&nbsp;to Lumbin in Germany.

It was inaugurated in 2011. Nord Stream 2 expands this system. It is designed to carry 110 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Germany every year. The project is being built at a cost of 11 billion dollars. It runs 764 miles under the Baltic Sea.

And Russian state energy firm Gazprom is leading the venture. The project is now 95 per cent complete. There's only 100 km of the sub-sea pipeline left to lay. Nord Stream 2 is expected to be ready by the end of 2021. This project is strategically important to the US.

Washington is an exporter of natural gas to Europe. But Russian gas is cheaper than American. So, basically, America fears losing business in Europe once Nord Stream 2 is completed.

That's not it. America also fears losing its influence.

Washington believes Russia could use Nord Stream 2 to increase Europe's dependency on Moscow. It's the same cold war-era mentality.

And it's because of this that the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support at home. There's also geopolitics that is closely entangled in the project. This Nord Stream 2 bypasses Ukraine and by doing so, deprives it of lucrative transit fee. This is Moscow hammering Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

And this is something US cannot be seen openly supporting. It has always sided with Ukraine.

When Biden entered the White House, some critics said he may be able to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel into dropping the Nord Stream 2 project.

That has clearly has not happened. Instead, Berlin pressed Washington to drop sanctions. To Germany, Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project.

And America's opposition to it is a hurdle for German economy.

Germany also happens to be a country US must court if it wants to get back to enjoying the confidence of its European and NATO allies.

So, the Biden administration caved in and planned its safest exit from the war on Nord Stream 2.

What did it do?

Number one:&nbsp;To appease Americans, the Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on ships working on the project. Also sanctions on Russian entities linked to the Nord Stream 2.

Number two:&nbsp;To reaffirm America's unwavering support to Ukraine, the Biden administration openly criticised the Nord Stream 2.

A release from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the following:

"Nord stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our central and eastern European allies and partners.The department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved."

Here's the real deal.

To appease Germany, the Biden administration waived Trump-era sanctions on the company building Nord Stream 2 and also its CEO.

How is the Biden administration justifying this? It is in national interest, says Blinken.

It is to 'demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe'.

The real story lies between the lines.

Moreover, it tells that the Biden administration prioritises winning over European ally over engaging Russia in a futile geopolitical tug of war.

And this is the biggest takeaway from the Nord Stream 2 story.

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops.

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops. Something similar happened in Europe. America waged a war not on a country, but a construction. But two years later, it realised the futility of it. This is about Nord Stream 2. It's a Russian gas pipeline project. It's a pretty controversial one. The Trump administration slapped sanctions on it in 2019 and early 2021. America had egg on its face, when construction carried on. If anything, the sanctions only alienated America from one of its key European allies: Germany. Now, US President Joe Biden is in the White House. And he is being torn by conflicting demands at home and outside. Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support in the US. It also carries great geopolitical and strategic importance. But upping the ante against Nord Stream 2 could cost America dearly. So, his administration has tried to kill three birds with one stone. The original Nord Stream runs from Vyborg in Russia to Lumbin in Germany. It was inaugurated in 2011. Nord Stream 2 expands this system. It is designed to carry 110 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Germany every year. The project is being built at a cost of 11 billion dollars. It runs 764 miles under the Baltic Sea. And Russian state energy firm Gazprom is leading the venture. The project is now 95 per cent complete. There's only 100 km of the sub-sea pipeline left to lay. Nord Stream 2 is expected to be ready by the end of 2021. This project is strategically important to the US. Washington is an exporter of natural gas to Europe. But Russian gas is cheaper than American. So, basically, America fears losing business in Europe once Nord Stream 2 is completed. That's not it. America also fears losing its influence. Washington believes Russia could use Nord Stream 2 to increase Europe's dependency on Moscow. It's the same cold war-era mentality. And it's because of this that the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support at home. There's also geopolitics that is closely entangled in the project. This Nord Stream 2 bypasses Ukraine and by doing so, deprives it of lucrative transit fee. This is Moscow hammering Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. And this is something US cannot be seen openly supporting. It has always sided with Ukraine. When Biden entered the White House, some critics said he may be able to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel into dropping the Nord Stream 2 project. That has clearly has not happened. Instead, Berlin pressed Washington to drop sanctions. To Germany, Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project. And America's opposition to it is a hurdle for German economy. Germany also happens to be a country US must court if it wants to get back to enjoying the confidence of its European and NATO allies. So, the Biden administration caved in and planned its safest exit from the war on Nord Stream 2. What did it do? Number one: To appease Americans, the Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on ships working on the project. Also sanctions on Russian entities linked to the Nord Stream 2. Number two: To reaffirm America's unwavering support to Ukraine, the Biden administration openly criticised the Nord Stream 2. A release from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the following: "Nord stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our central and eastern European allies and partners.The department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved." Here's the real deal. To appease Germany, the Biden administration waived Trump-era sanctions on the company building Nord Stream 2 and also its CEO. How is the Biden administration justifying this? It is in national interest, says Blinken. It is to 'demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe'. The real story lies between the lines. Moreover, it tells that the Biden administration prioritises winning over European ally over engaging Russia in a futile geopolitical tug of war. And this is the biggest takeaway from the Nord Stream 2 story.

What is Nord Stream 2 fuss all about? Read on

A State Department report sent to Congress concluded that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO, Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in sanctionable activity.

US reversal on Nord Stream 2 sanctions 'constructive': Germany

The US&nbsp;Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced a bill on Wednesday to deliver aid to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;in its struggle with Russia and pressure companies helping to build Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that could deprive Kyiv of lucrative transit fees.

The&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;Security Partnership Act, which was approved by voice vote, authorises $300 million in foreign military financing, of which $150 million would be subject to conditions. It needs to be passed in the full Senate and House of Representatives and signed by President Joe Biden to become law.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russia-is-massing-120000-troops-along-the-ukraine-border-379129/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukraine&nbsp;is seeking international support in its standoff with Moscow over a buildup of Russian troops on its eastern border and in Crimea, which Russia annexed from&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;in 2014.

Kyiv and Moscow have traded blame for a collapse in the ceasefire in the eastern Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops have battled Russian-backed forces in a conflict Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014.

"Ukrainians have a right to choose their own future, and this bill contributes to that by supporting Western-style military reforms, lethal and non-lethal military equipment to defend itself from Russia, and US&nbsp;diplomatic support for peace negotiations," Senator Jim Risch, the committee's top Republican, said in a release.

The bill contains an amendment from Republican Senator Ted Cruz that requires the State Department to determine whether 20 ships, including the Akademik Cherskiy, Umka, and Errieit, are subject to US&nbsp;sanctions for helping to build the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a project to bring Russian gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. The determination is required within 15 days of passage.

The pipeline, led by Russian state gas company Gazprom and its Western allies, would bypass&nbsp;Ukraine, depriving it of billions of dollars in transit fees and likely undermining the country's efforts against Russian aggression. Biden has said the pipeline is a bad deal for Europe, but the project is about 95 per cent&nbsp;complete.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced a bill on Wednesday to deliver aid to Ukraine in its struggle with Russia and pressure companies helping to build Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that could deprive Kyiv of lucrative transit fees.

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced a bill on Wednesday to deliver aid to Ukraine in its struggle with Russia and pressure companies helping to build Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that could deprive Kyiv of lucrative transit fees. The Ukraine Security Partnership Act, which was approved by voice vote, authorises $300 million in foreign military financing, of which $150 million would be subject to conditions. It needs to be passed in the full Senate and House of Representatives and signed by President Joe Biden to become law. Ukraine is seeking international support in its standoff with Moscow over a buildup of Russian troops on its eastern border and in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Kyiv and Moscow have traded blame for a collapse in the ceasefire in the eastern Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops have battled Russian-backed forces in a conflict Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014. "Ukrainians have a right to choose their own future, and this bill contributes to that by supporting Western-style military reforms, lethal and non-lethal military equipment to defend itself from Russia, and US diplomatic support for peace negotiations," Senator Jim Risch, the committee's top Republican, said in a release. The bill contains an amendment from Republican Senator Ted Cruz that requires the State Department to determine whether 20 ships, including the Akademik Cherskiy, Umka, and Errieit, are subject to US sanctions for helping to build the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a project to bring Russian gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. The determination is required within 15 days of passage. The pipeline, led by Russian state gas company Gazprom and its Western allies, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of billions of dollars in transit fees and likely undermining the country's efforts against Russian aggression. Biden has said the pipeline is a bad deal for Europe, but the project is about 95 per cent complete. (With inputs from agencies)

US advances bill to aid Ukraine in its struggle with Russia, pressure Nord Stream 2

The Russian ship tasked with completing the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has arrived in waters off Denmark, maritime tracing apps indicated Sunday, despite the threat of further US sanctions.

The pipe-laying vessel "Fortuna", owned by the Russian company KVT-RUS, left Germany days ago and has been located some 28 kilometres (18 miles) south of the Danish island of Bornholm.

Several Russian support vessels were also in the immediate vicinity, according to the Vesselfinder and MarineTraffic&nbsp;applications.

It is in this area, just outside Danish territorial waters but in the Scandinavian country's exclusive economic zone, that the "Danish" sector of the pipeline passes, according to plans released by Nord Stream, which is majority owned by Russian gas giant Gazprom.

Nord Stream 2 is a 10-billion-euro ($11-billion) pipeline that will run beneath the Baltic Sea and is set to double Russian natural-gas shipments to Germany, Europe's largest economy.

It has long been in the crosshairs of the United States, particularly by the former Trump administration which promoted US gas and openly criticised European countries for their reliance on energy from Russia.&nbsp;

Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states are also fiercely opposed to the pipeline, fearing it will increase Europe's reliance on Russian energy, which Moscow could then use to exert political pressure.&nbsp;

The European Parliament on Friday passed a non-binding resolution urging Brussels to block to completion of the 1,200 kilometre-long pipeline.

Work on the massive project resumed in German waters in December after being suspended for nearly a year because of the threat of US sanctions.

Danish authorities had authorised Nord Stream to carry out works in its waters from January 15.

But the company had spoken of a "preparatory" phase in the operation, amid uncertainties over US policy during the transition between Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, who took office this month.

Last week, German officials said that the United States will place sanctions on the "Fortuna".

Signed off by then president Trump in late 2019, the sanction measures threaten asset freezes and visa restrictions for companies involved in the construction.

The exact date of the resumption of pipe-laying work in the Baltic remains unclear, with no details from Nord Stream.&nbsp;

But the pipeline is almost complete, with most of the remaining pipe-laying work to be done in the waters off Denmark.

Nord Stream 2 is in fact two parallel pipelines. According to Denmark's energy authority, 69.2 kilometres remains to be laid on one pipeline and 49.6 kilometres on the other.

The Russian ship tasked with completing the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has arrived in waters off Denmark, maritime tracing apps indicated Sunday, despite the threat of further US sanctions.

The Russian ship tasked with completing the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has arrived in waters off Denmark, maritime tracing apps indicated Sunday, despite the threat of further US sanctions. The pipe-laying vessel "Fortuna", owned by the Russian company KVT-RUS, left Germany days ago and has been located some 28 kilometres (18 miles) south of the Danish island of Bornholm. Several Russian support vessels were also in the immediate vicinity, according to the Vesselfinder and MarineTraffic applications. It is in this area, just outside Danish territorial waters but in the Scandinavian country's exclusive economic zone, that the "Danish" sector of the pipeline passes, according to plans released by Nord Stream, which is majority owned by Russian gas giant Gazprom. Nord Stream 2 is a 10-billion-euro ($11-billion) pipeline that will run beneath the Baltic Sea and is set to double Russian natural-gas shipments to Germany, Europe's largest economy. It has long been in the crosshairs of the United States, particularly by the former Trump administration which promoted US gas and openly criticised European countries for their reliance on energy from Russia. Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states are also fiercely opposed to the pipeline, fearing it will increase Europe's reliance on Russian energy, which Moscow could then use to exert political pressure. The European Parliament on Friday passed a non-binding resolution urging Brussels to block to completion of the 1,200 kilometre-long pipeline. Work on the massive project resumed in German waters in December after being suspended for nearly a year because of the threat of US sanctions. Danish authorities had authorised Nord Stream to carry out works in its waters from January 15. But the company had spoken of a "preparatory" phase in the operation, amid uncertainties over US policy during the transition between Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, who took office this month. Last week, German officials said that the United States will place sanctions on the "Fortuna". Signed off by then president Trump in late 2019, the sanction measures threaten asset freezes and visa restrictions for companies involved in the construction. The exact date of the resumption of pipe-laying work in the Baltic remains unclear, with no details from Nord Stream. But the pipeline is almost complete, with most of the remaining pipe-laying work to be done in the waters off Denmark. Nord Stream 2 is in fact two parallel pipelines. According to Denmark's energy authority, 69.2 kilometres remains to be laid on one pipeline and 49.6 kilometres on the other.

Russian Nord Stream 2 pipe-laying ship arrives off Denmark

EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss the issue next week, but any concrete decisions are likely to wait until the completion of Navalny's judicial proceedings.

EU lawmakers demand halt to Nord Stream 2 over Kremlin critic Navalny arrest

The European Union(EU) urged&nbsp;Russia to immediately release opposition leader Alexey <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-rejects-navalnys-accusations-regarding-putins-wealth-dossier-357871">Navalny</a>&nbsp;as lawmakers&nbsp;called for an end to the&nbsp;Nord&nbsp;Stream&nbsp;2 pipeline.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-lawmakers-demand-halt-to-nord-stream-2-over-kremlin-critic-navalny-arrest-358483/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During a video summit of 27 leaders, European Council president Charles Michel said the leaders expect Russia to fully cooperate on a transparent and international investigation on Navalny's poisoning.

Navalny was arrested last Sunday at a Moscow airport as he tried to enter the country from Germany. Navalny had spent five months in Berlin recovering from nerve agent poisoning he blames on the Kremlin.

''We condemn his detention by the Russian authorities. Navalny's rights must be fully and unconditionally respected, we call on Russia to release him immediately and ensure his safety. We expect Russia to urgently proceed with the independent and transparent investigation into the attack on his life, and to fully cooperate with the organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons to ensure an impartial and international investigation, " Charles Michel said.

Russia has come under renewed pressure after Navalny's arrest to explain the nerve agent attack on the opposition leader. The European Council president also insisted that Moscow “fully cooperate with the organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons so that an impartial international investigation can be carried out into the attack"

European Union lawmakers also passed a resolution calling to stop the completion of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

The resolution said the EU should "devise a new strategy for the EU's relations with Russia, centred around support for civil society, which promotes democratic values, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights."

The pipeline is a system of offshore natural gas pipelines from Russia to Germany. Lawmakers in the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to block the pipeline construction work with 581 votes in favor, 50 against and 44 abstentions.

The Nord Stream 2 is designed to double the capacity of the existing undersea gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. The initiative is led by &nbsp;Russia's Gazprom with western partners. The pipeline is more than 90 per cent complete and scheduled to operate from this year.

The United States is fiercely against Nord Stream 2 project. The Trump administration had imposed sanctions on a ship involved in construction work. 
. 
&nbsp;

The European Union(EU) urged Russia to immediately release opposition leader Alexey Navalny as lawmakers called for an end to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Watch: During a video summit of 27 leaders, European Council president Charles Michel said the leaders expect Russia to fully cooperate on a transparent and international investigation on Navalny's poisoning.

The European Union(EU) urged Russia to immediately release opposition leader Alexey Navalny as lawmakers called for an end to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Watch: During a video summit of 27 leaders, European Council president Charles Michel said the leaders expect Russia to fully cooperate on a transparent and international investigation on Navalny's poisoning. Navalny was arrested last Sunday at a Moscow airport as he tried to enter the country from Germany. Navalny had spent five months in Berlin recovering from nerve agent poisoning he blames on the Kremlin. ''We condemn his detention by the Russian authorities. Navalny's rights must be fully and unconditionally respected, we call on Russia to release him immediately and ensure his safety. We expect Russia to urgently proceed with the independent and transparent investigation into the attack on his life, and to fully cooperate with the organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons to ensure an impartial and international investigation, " Charles Michel said. Russia has come under renewed pressure after Navalny's arrest to explain the nerve agent attack on the opposition leader. The European Council president also insisted that Moscow “fully cooperate with the organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons so that an impartial international investigation can be carried out into the attack" European Union lawmakers also passed a resolution calling to stop the completion of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The resolution said the EU should "devise a new strategy for the EU's relations with Russia, centred around support for civil society, which promotes democratic values, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights." The pipeline is a system of offshore natural gas pipelines from Russia to Germany. Lawmakers in the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to block the pipeline construction work with 581 votes in favor, 50 against and 44 abstentions. The Nord Stream 2 is designed to double the capacity of the existing undersea gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. The initiative is led by Russia's Gazprom with western partners. The pipeline is more than 90 per cent complete and scheduled to operate from this year. The United States is fiercely against Nord Stream 2 project. The Trump administration had imposed sanctions on a ship involved in construction work. .

EU lawmakers demand end to Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline over Navalny row

The United States is urging European allies and private companies to halt work that could help build the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline and is preparing wider sanctions on the Russian project in coming weeks, senior Trump administration officials said on Wednesday.

The outgoing Trump administration is readying a fresh round of congressionally mandated sanctions "in the very near future" that it believes could deal a fatal blow to the Russia-to-Germany project led by state gas company Gazprom, three officials said.

"We've been getting body blow on body blow to this, and now we're in the process of driving a stake through the project heart," said one of the officials, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

Russia this month resumed building the $11.6 billion (9.5 billion euro) pipeline, which is 90% complete, after a one-year pause prompted by existing U.S. sanctions.

New work has been centered on a 2.6 kilometer (1.6 mile) stretch in shallow waters of Germany’s Exclusive Economic Zone but not yet in the deep-water sections off Denmark that comprise most of the unfinished 100-km stretch.

Washington says the project, which will increase European reliance on Russian gas, will compromise European energy security. Russia says the sanctions amount to "unfair competition" aimed at helping U.S. liquefied natural gas producers, and insists it will finish the pipeline.

The feud may not die down once President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20, foreign diplomats say.

The U.S. pressure campaign on Nord Stream 2 is backed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers who fear it will bypass Ukraine, robbing it of lucrative transit fees. Biden described the pipeline as a "bad deal" for Europe in 2016, and has criticized Moscow for its alleged role in a massive cyber attack on U.S. government agencies that was discovered last week.

Nord Stream 2 did not immediately comment on the possibility of new sanctions. Last month it told Reuters that existing sanctions and new ones in the defense policy bill would, if imposed, directly or indirectly hit more than 120 companies from more than 12 European countries.

SHIP IN CANARY ISLANDS

Gazprom has had to retool its ships to do the delicate deepwater pipelaying and may need the help of companies from other countries to finish the project quickly.

Washington has what it considers "reliable information" about modifications being carried out to the Oceanic 5000, a crane ship, in Spain's Canary Islands, upgrades that U.S. officials say will equip the ship to lay pipe in deep water.

The officials declined to identify which entities could face sanctions for the previously unreported work, but said they were not targeting specific governments or government officials.

Several European entities were involved, but some were "unwitting" of the implications for the pipeline, said one official, adding they could still escape sanctions if they made "a good faith effort to unwind their involvement."

A Danish regulator on Tuesday said a Gazprom vessel called Fortuna would start work off Denmark from Jan. 15 with the assistance of other supply vessels.

The project is grappling with financial pressures and the departure of key participants, including Norway’s risk management and quality assurance firm DNV GL https://www.reuters.com/article/nordstream-norway/norways-dnv-gl-suspends-nord-stream-2-work-over-u-s-sanctions-fear-idUSL1N2IC14F last month. The State Department is due to issue an overdue report to Congress in the next weeks on companies that could be at risk for helping the project, another official said.

DNV said new U.S. guidelines meant it could face sanctions. The scope of the sanctions were expanded further in a veto-proof bipartisan defense policy bill passed this month.

That measure would also target individuals or companies assisting Gazprom with “pipelaying activities,” insurance, and verification of construction equipment.

U.S. sanctions have already added $1 billion in extra cost to the project, said one of the U.S. officials.

Initially slated to become operational in late 2020 or early 2021, Nord Stream 2 would double the capacity of Russia to carry gas directly to Germany.

The United States is urging European allies and private companies to halt work that could help build the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline and is preparing wider sanctions on the Russian project in coming weeks, senior Trump administration officials said on Wednesday.

The United States is urging European allies and private companies to halt work that could help build the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline and is preparing wider sanctions on the Russian project in coming weeks, senior Trump administration officials said on Wednesday. The outgoing Trump administration is readying a fresh round of congressionally mandated sanctions "in the very near future" that it believes could deal a fatal blow to the Russia-to-Germany project led by state gas company Gazprom, three officials said. "We've been getting body blow on body blow to this, and now we're in the process of driving a stake through the project heart," said one of the officials, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity. Russia this month resumed building the $11.6 billion (9.5 billion euro) pipeline, which is 90% complete, after a one-year pause prompted by existing U.S. sanctions. New work has been centered on a 2.6 kilometer (1.6 mile) stretch in shallow waters of Germany’s Exclusive Economic Zone but not yet in the deep-water sections off Denmark that comprise most of the unfinished 100-km stretch. Washington says the project, which will increase European reliance on Russian gas, will compromise European energy security. Russia says the sanctions amount to "unfair competition" aimed at helping U.S. liquefied natural gas producers, and insists it will finish the pipeline. The feud may not die down once President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20, foreign diplomats say. The U.S. pressure campaign on Nord Stream 2 is backed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers who fear it will bypass Ukraine, robbing it of lucrative transit fees. Biden described the pipeline as a "bad deal" for Europe in 2016, and has criticized Moscow for its alleged role in a massive cyber attack on U.S. government agencies that was discovered last week. Nord Stream 2 did not immediately comment on the possibility of new sanctions. Last month it told Reuters that existing sanctions and new ones in the defense policy bill would, if imposed, directly or indirectly hit more than 120 companies from more than 12 European countries. SHIP IN CANARY ISLANDS Gazprom has had to retool its ships to do the delicate deepwater pipelaying and may need the help of companies from other countries to finish the project quickly. Washington has what it considers "reliable information" about modifications being carried out to the Oceanic 5000, a crane ship, in Spain's Canary Islands, upgrades that U.S. officials say will equip the ship to lay pipe in deep water. The officials declined to identify which entities could face sanctions for the previously unreported work, but said they were not targeting specific governments or government officials. Several European entities were involved, but some were "unwitting" of the implications for the pipeline, said one official, adding they could still escape sanctions if they made "a good faith effort to unwind their involvement." A Danish regulator on Tuesday said a Gazprom vessel called Fortuna would start work off Denmark from Jan. 15 with the assistance of other supply vessels. The project is grappling with financial pressures and the departure of key participants, including Norway’s risk management and quality assurance firm DNV GL https://www.reuters.com/article/nordstream-norway/norways-dnv-gl-suspends-nord-stream-2-work-over-u-s-sanctions-fear-idUSL1N2IC14F last month. The State Department is due to issue an overdue report to Congress in the next weeks on companies that could be at risk for helping the project, another official said. DNV said new U.S. guidelines meant it could face sanctions. The scope of the sanctions were expanded further in a veto-proof bipartisan defense policy bill passed this month. That measure would also target individuals or companies assisting Gazprom with “pipelaying activities,” insurance, and verification of construction equipment. U.S. sanctions have already added $1 billion in extra cost to the project, said one of the U.S. officials. Initially slated to become operational in late 2020 or early 2021, Nord Stream 2 would double the capacity of Russia to carry gas directly to Germany.

US preparing new sanctions to impede Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline

The Russian media hit out at a report that claimed the country presents a "geopolitical risk of threats to supply" of helium which is &nbsp;"finite resource".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-spies-hacked-ukrainian-energy-firm-at-center-of-trumps-impeachment-274153">Also Read:&nbsp;Russian spies hacked Ukrainian energy firm at center of Trump impeachment</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-push-into-helium-could-have-the-world-on-russias-string-348830">New York Times </a>in its report said that that "Siberia holds some of the largest known untapped reserves of natural gas with high levels of helium, and Russia is preparing for a major leap in production when its new complex of factories comes online next year."

NYT said that Russia is "well-positioned to supply China and the technology industry on the US West Coast" and the Gazprom the Russian company is "will export canisters of cryogenically cooled liquid helium from the Pacific Ocean port of Vladivostok."

The report said after ramping up production by the middle of the decade "Russia expects to produce 25 per cent to 30 per cent of all helium used worldwide without breaking a sweat". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-signs-offshore-pipeline-agreement-with-russian-energy-giant-gazprom-195970">Gazprom</a> said in September that its Siberian helium machine was more than 60% completed, the report said.

The report said US and Qatar at present generate vast amounts of world’s helium but Russia is already self-sufficient, however, the US has exited the business which the NYT report claims would allow Russia to become a major exporter from 2021.

The report claimed that the US holds 2.8 billion cubic feet of helium in an "abandoned gas field outside Amarillo, Texas".

"It has raised worries that Russia could bring to helium the same politically influenced trading practices that worry buyers of Russian natural gas and crude oil," the NYT report said.

There are several uses for liquid helium which is widely used in MRI machines also to propel space rockets including in welding and printing computer chips and is seen as a "critical resource".

The report also mentioned the controversial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/proposed-us-sanctions-on-nord-stream-2-pipeline-is-unfair-competition-russia-347540">Nord Stream 2 </a>natural gas pipeline linking Russia to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-threatens-to-put-nord-stream-2-project-on-hold-as-russia-fails-to-cooperate-in-navalny-probe-326080">Germany</a> which has been embargoed by the Trump administration with its "complicated mix of politics and economics influences the Kremlin’s decisions."

The Russian media hit out at a report that claimed the country presents a "geopolitical risk of threats to supply" of helium which is "finite resource". Also Read: Russian spies hacked Ukrainian energy firm at center of Trump impeachment The New York Times in its report said that that "Siberia holds some of the largest known untapped reserves of natural gas with high levels of helium, and Russia is preparing for a major leap in production when its new complex of factories comes online next year.

The Russian media hit out at a report that claimed the country presents a "geopolitical risk of threats to supply" of helium which is "finite resource". Also Read: Russian spies hacked Ukrainian energy firm at center of Trump impeachment The New York Times in its report said that that "Siberia holds some of the largest known untapped reserves of natural gas with high levels of helium, and Russia is preparing for a major leap in production when its new complex of factories comes online next year." NYT said that Russia is "well-positioned to supply China and the technology industry on the US West Coast" and the Gazprom the Russian company is "will export canisters of cryogenically cooled liquid helium from the Pacific Ocean port of Vladivostok." The report said after ramping up production by the middle of the decade "Russia expects to produce 25 per cent to 30 per cent of all helium used worldwide without breaking a sweat". Gazprom said in September that its Siberian helium machine was more than 60% completed, the report said. The report said US and Qatar at present generate vast amounts of world’s helium but Russia is already self-sufficient, however, the US has exited the business which the NYT report claims would allow Russia to become a major exporter from 2021. The report claimed that the US holds 2.8 billion cubic feet of helium in an "abandoned gas field outside Amarillo, Texas". "It has raised worries that Russia could bring to helium the same politically influenced trading practices that worry buyers of Russian natural gas and crude oil," the NYT report said. There are several uses for liquid helium which is widely used in MRI machines also to propel space rockets including in welding and printing computer chips and is seen as a "critical resource". The report also mentioned the controversial Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline linking Russia to Germany which has been embargoed by the Trump administration with its "complicated mix of politics and economics influences the Kremlin’s decisions."

Russia's push towards helium could present 'geopolitical risk of threats to supply': Report

Amid reports of US preparing additional sanctions on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-threatens-to-put-nord-stream-2-project-on-hold-as-russia-fails-to-cooperate-in-navalny-probe-326080">Nord Stream 2</a> natural gas pipeline project, Russia said today that it is a sign of "unfair competition".

Russia said it would defend its interests with the gas pipeline linking Russia and Germany has been halted for a year. US President Donald Trump had imposed sanction last year, the new sanctions would reportedly halt ships from getting insurance.

Germany has defended the Baltic Sea pipeline against opposition by EU countries namely from the Baltic states and Poland including Ukraine which are transit route countries for the pipeline.

Almost all of the 1,230-kilometre of Nord Stream 2 has already been built, however, the Trump administration has threatened sanctions against participating companies.

Germany had earlier threatened sanctions on the project during the Navalny poisoning crisis when Russian authorities were refusing to cooperate. "I hope... that the Russians do not force us to change our position on Nord Stream," German foreign minister Maas said.

Amid reports of US preparing additional sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project, Russia said today that it is a sign of "unfair competition".

Amid reports of US preparing additional sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project, Russia said today that it is a sign of "unfair competition". Russia said it would defend its interests with the gas pipeline linking Russia and Germany has been halted for a year. US President Donald Trump had imposed sanction last year, the new sanctions would reportedly halt ships from getting insurance. Germany has defended the Baltic Sea pipeline against opposition by EU countries namely from the Baltic states and Poland including Ukraine which are transit route countries for the pipeline. Almost all of the 1,230-kilometre of Nord Stream 2 has already been built, however, the Trump administration has threatened sanctions against participating companies. Germany had earlier threatened sanctions on the project during the Navalny poisoning crisis when Russian authorities were refusing to cooperate. "I hope... that the Russians do not force us to change our position on Nord Stream," German foreign minister Maas said.

Proposed US sanctions on Nord Stream 2 pipeline is unfair competition: Russia

When Russia poisoned Opposition leader Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, not in its wildest dreams would it have thought that the attack on a critic would hurt Kremlin economically.

Russian diplomats were expelled post the Skripal poisoning and in the worst-case scenario, something similar would have followed Navalny's poisoning.

However, Kremlin forgot to look under the Baltic Sea. The Russian nerve agent may be killing the Nord Stream 2, the pipeline from Russia to Germany is almost complete but Berlin is threatening to put a hold to it and wants to negotiate - cooperate in Navalny's probe, else Berlin will suspend the Nord Stream 2.

German foreign minister Heiko Mass has warned to Kremlin.

"I hope the Russians won't force us to change our position regarding the Nord Stream 2," Mass said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel endorsed the foreign minister's view.

"The Chancellor shares the remarks made by the foreign minister over the weekend," Steffen Seibert, German government spokesman, said.

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There is domestic pressure on Merkel to pursue hard politics. Senior German leaders want Berlin to respond to Navalny's poisoning in perhaps the only language that Putin understands - money.

As Alexei Navalny comes out of the medically-induced coma, the 9.5 billion Euro Nord Stream 2 is staring at life support. The twin pipeline project is 2,460 km long and 2,300 km has already been completed.

The pipeline goes under the Baltic Sea and it is designed to send Russian gas to Germany and the rest of Europe. Moscow is looking at sending 110 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually.

Currently, Russia supplies 34 per cent of European gas with the Nord Stream 2, the number would touch 40 per cent.

The project is led by Russian company Gazprom and it is expected to start operating in early 2021. The pipeline has survived a lot of attacks - the US sanctioned the project in 2019&nbsp;since it is a big threat to Washington with the export of gas to Europe.

The European Union itself is divided on the Nord Stream 2. Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states believe it will increase the bloc's reliance on Russia. Merkel stood strong against all these objections with pandemic reducing energy demands, and the German economy dipping the question is whether the German Chancellor can separate politics from economy.

Germany could really use some brownie points on human rights.

When Russia poisoned Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, not in its wildest dreams would it have thought that the attack on a critic would hurt Kremlin economically.

When Russia poisoned Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, not in its wildest dreams would it have thought that the attack on a critic would hurt Kremlin economically. Russian diplomats were expelled post the Skripal poisoning and in the worst-case scenario, something similar would have followed Navalny's poisoning. However, Kremlin forgot to look under the Baltic Sea. The Russian nerve agent may be killing the Nord Stream 2, the pipeline from Russia to Germany is almost complete but Berlin is threatening to put a hold to it and wants to negotiate - cooperate in Navalny's probe, else Berlin will suspend the Nord Stream 2. German foreign minister Heiko Mass has warned to Kremlin. "I hope the Russians won't force us to change our position regarding the Nord Stream 2," Mass said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel endorsed the foreign minister's view. "The Chancellor shares the remarks made by the foreign minister over the weekend," Steffen Seibert, German government spokesman, said. × There is domestic pressure on Merkel to pursue hard politics. Senior German leaders want Berlin to respond to Navalny's poisoning in perhaps the only language that Putin understands - money. As Alexei Navalny comes out of the medically-induced coma, the 9.5 billion Euro Nord Stream 2 is staring at life support. The twin pipeline project is 2,460 km long and 2,300 km has already been completed. The pipeline goes under the Baltic Sea and it is designed to send Russian gas to Germany and the rest of Europe. Moscow is looking at sending 110 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually. Currently, Russia supplies 34 per cent of European gas with the Nord Stream 2, the number would touch 40 per cent. The project is led by Russian company Gazprom and it is expected to start operating in early 2021. The pipeline has survived a lot of attacks - the US sanctioned the project in 2019 since it is a big threat to Washington with the export of gas to Europe. The European Union itself is divided on the Nord Stream 2. Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states believe it will increase the bloc's reliance on Russia. Merkel stood strong against all these objections with pandemic reducing energy demands, and the German economy dipping the question is whether the German Chancellor can separate politics from economy. Germany could really use some brownie points on human rights.

Germany threatens to put Nord Stream 2 project on hold as Russia fails to cooperate in Navalny probe

Alexei Navalny's poisoning may kill a major deal. Germany is threatening Russia to put a hold on Nord Stream 2, a twin gas pipeline from Russia to Germany which is now 90% complete & things hang in a balance for now.

Germany puts pressure on Russia regarding Nord Stream 2

The incident has put Germany and Russia on a collision course, putting pressure on their joint gas pipeline project Nord Stream 2.

WION Fineprint: EU, Russia gas pipeline project in jeopardy

How will Navalny's case impact Nord Stream 2 project?

Abandoning the nearly complete Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany could create a legal mess and nudge up energy costs for European households but Germany would cope with any disruption to supplies, economists say. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas at the weekend questioned the project -- thus far supported by Germany -- following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Alleged poisoning of Alexei Navalny leads Germany to review Nord Stream 2 project

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