Alex Christoforou
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
The Duran’s Alex Christoforou and Editor-in-Chief Alexander Mercouris discuss an EU compromise for Nord Stream 2 where EU member states, the EU Parliament, and its Commission will give the bloc more oversight on gas pipelines, with one caveat…the Nord Stream 2 project with Russia will not be threatened by the new regulations in the agreement.
Macron pushed hard to have the new regulations include (and derail) Nord Stream 2, an action which annoyed Angela Merkel, who eventually got her way and delivered another blow to Macron’s failing French presidency.
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Macron Pisses Off Merkel As He Tries To Sabotage Nord Stream 2 Pipeline by The Duran
The Duran – News in Review – Episode 177. The Duran’s Alex Christoforou and Editor-in-Chief Alexander Mercouris discuss an EU compromise for Nord Stream 2 where EU member states, the EU Parliament, and its Commission will give the bloc more oversight on gas pipelines, with one caveat…the Nord Stream 2 project with Russia will not be threatened by the new regulations in the agreement.
Via The Express UK…
Angela Merkel hit back at Emmanuel Macron over Russia and Germany’s pipeline project, declaring it would “not be a one-sided dependency”. The German Chancellor explained that Germany will expand its gas terminals with “liquified gas”. Speaking at a press conference, Ms Merkel declared: “Do we become dependent on Russia because of this second gas pipeline? I say no, if we diversify. Germany will expand its gas terminals with liquefied gas.
“This means that we do not want to depend only on Russia, but Russia was a source of gas in the Cold War and will remain one.
“But it would not be one-sided dependency.”
Via DW…
The EU parliament and its Council are set to adopt new regulations on gas pipelines connecting the bloc members with non-EU countries, the EU Commission announced early on Wednesday.
The upcoming directive is based on a compromise between EU member states and EU officials in Brussels. The bloc leaders agreed to tighten Brussels’ oversight of gas delivery and expand its rules to all pipelines plugging into the EU’s gas distribution network.
“The new rules ensure that… everyone interested in selling gas to Europe must respect European energy law,” EU Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said in a statement.
For example, owners of pipelines linking EU and non-EU countries would also be required to allow access for their competitors. Brussels would also have more power regarding transparency and tariff regulations.
Russian ambassador slams US
Brussels has repeatedly expressed concern over the controversial Nord Stream 2 project which would deliver Russian gas directly to Germany through a pipeline under the Baltic Sea. Many EU states oppose the mammoth project, and the US claims it would allow Moscow to tighten its grip on the EU’s energy policy.
Berlin has insisted that the pipeline is a “purely economic” issue.
Speaking to Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung daily, Russian ambassador to Berlin, Sergey Nechayev, slammed the US’ opposition as an attempt to “push its competition aside” and clear the way for American suppliers of liquefied gas.
“It’s hard to believe that a country that is destroying the rules of free and fair trade, that is imposing import tariffs on its competition, that is flying slogans like ‘America First’ on its flags and often threatens biggest European concerns with illegal sanctions, is now really concerned about European interests,” the Russian envoy said in remarks published in German on Wednesday.
Last week, France unexpectedly rebelled against the project, but Berlin and Paris soon reached a compromise. Thanks to their agreement, the latest deal is not expected to impede the ongoing construction of Nord Stream 2.
Citing sources from negotiators’ circles, German public broadcaster ARD reported that the deal left room for Germany to approve exceptions from the EU-wide rules.
According to the EU Commission, however, exceptions are “only possible under strict procedures in which the Commission plays a decisive role.”
The Gazprom-backed pipeline is set to be completed by the end of the year.
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Just imagine how much good the soldier in the background could do, with just one casual backhand flick of his sword…
Those swords must be plastic if Manny the mother-lover had anything to say about it. Cowardice and self-preservation are written on his face.
Pauvre France!
The USA is now a Jewish-led Pirate State modeled on the original criminal, power-center on the North American continent with its capital in Barataria. “The tangled water-ways of Barataria, so well known to smugglers and slavers, and to so few beside, leading by countless windings and intersections to the markets of the thriving city, offered the rarest facilities for their purposes.”
http://jeanlafitte.net/Barataria.htm
You don’t need to create money as debt!! ” If the Nation can issue a dollar bond it can issue a dollar bill. The element that makes the bond good makes the bill good also. The difference between the bond and the bill is that the bond lets the money broker collect twice the amount of the bond and an additional 20%. Whereas the currency, the honest sort provided by the Constitution pays nobody but those who contribute in some useful way. It is absurd to say our Country can issue bonds and cannot issue currency. Both are promises to… Read more »
I’m glad Merkel has finally pulled her nose out of Uncle Sam’s ass.
Yes, but only for the Gazprom gas coming to Germany! She is still advocating loudly “anti-Russian sanctions” of the Europen Union. Her mind is in a schizophrenic state now. On the one hand …. on the other hand …..
When it comes to German energy, Merkel is decided and wins her battles. But what about the smaller, economically weaker countries who want to benefit from the Turkish stream? Will they get overruled and overburdened with rules introduced after the contracts were signed? And for what purpose? Just so Macron – as he hopes – can endear himself to Trump in hope of saving his failing government?
How does any living, breathing, thinking human being know that the stated reasons for torpedoing Nord Stream II are 100% bogus?
Because Ukraine’s pipeline is at least equal in capacity to NSII. If the reason is to avoid potential for politial leverage (blackmail, some call it), then forcing Russian gas to continue through Ukraine INCREASES the ‘blackmail’ potential twofold, 1) by Russia and 2) by Ukraine.
Increasing US LNG sales to Europe and continuing pumping it through Ukraine are two stated, yet contradictory goals. Amazing that anyone can actually keep a straight face while quoting them.