According to its proponents, Nord Stream II is a simple ‘commercial’ gas pipeline between Russia and Germany. In contrast, the project’s opponents view the pipeline as a blatant geopolitical project that serves the interests of Russia, precisely at a time that Europe tries to become less dependent on Russian gas and deals with an increasingly assertive Russia on its eastern borders. As such, the project splits the EU into two camps.
One of the sticking points of the pipeline project is the future position of Ukraine and the role of natural gas transit via Ukraine. If Nord Stream II get’s built, Gazprom will have fewer difficulties to cut off gas supplies to Ukraine says Sijbren de Jong to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The full article (in French) can be read here.