US Increases Pressure on Nord Stream 2 European Contractors

US officials intend to prevent the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and have indicated to European contractors the “far-reaching consequences” of their work, Welt am Sonntag writes. The US is stepping up pressure on European and German companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, Welt am Sonntag writes on Sunday, July 26. According to the publication, the United States representatives in the past days held video talks with contractors to highlight the “far-reaching consequences of further participation in the project.” The consultations were attended by up to 12 representatives of the US government, who “in a friendly tone” noted that they intend to “impede the completion of construction”, said an unnamed source familiar with the negotiations. The threat is “very serious”, he added. US Secretary of State Pompeo threatened new gas pipeline sanctions US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo previously warned that the participants in the Nord Stream 2 project would fall under the 2017CAATSA Law on Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions. Official Berlin took note of the words of the head of the State Department, while deemed Washington’s extraterritorial sanctions “contrary to international law.” Russia, on the other hand, called the US position an example of political pressure and unfair competition. Construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has been suspended due to US sanctions on European contractors that came into force in December 2019. The measures include a ban on entry into the United States for representatives of these companies, as well as a freeze of any assets in the country. The US opposes the construction of the gas pipeline. In their opinion, it will increase Europe’s dependence on Russian gas supplies. Pipe-laying cannot be resumed due to codfish After the sanctions entered into force, the Swiss company Allseas suspended its participation in the project. The Russian ship “Akademik Chersky”, involved to complete the works, arrived from Nakhodka to the German port of Mukran in May. However, the Danish authorities have banned any construction work in the area of ​​Bornholm Island, explaining this by spawning cod.