Greens call for a committee to investigate Nord Stream 2 pipeline project
Despite facing multiple challenges, Berlin has continued to rely on the Nord Stream 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea to ensure affordable Russian gas. This project, however, was nearly halted shortly before a major invasion in Ukraine; a thorough investigation into its background has not yet taken place.
As reported by "Sueddeutsche Zeitung," the Greens are now urging for a parliamentary investigative committee to look into the Baltic Sea pipeline, Nord Stream 2. Felix Banaszak, a Green expert on economic policy, points out that it's "unacceptable" that the events surrounding this project have not been adequately explained. He considers the pipeline as "the greatest economic, energy, and foreign policy failure since the establishment of the Federal Republic." A parliamentary investigation is essential, in his opinion, "to fully elucidate the remaining unanswered questions, with access to all documents and the questioning of those responsible." According to "Sueddeutsche Zeitung," Katharina Dröge, leader of the Green faction, expressed similar concerns, noting that some matters "definitely require parliamentary clarification."
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline beneath the Baltic Sea, which was planned to transport gas from Russia to Germany, never became operational due to Russian aggression against Ukraine. The approval process was halted by the federal government.
Based on available public documents from 2014 to 2022, it appears that the two Grand Coalitions led by Chancellor Angela Merkel worked hard to silence opponents of the energy project both within the EU and Ukraine and the US for several years.
The ongoing impact of "political decision-making errors by the Union and SPD governments" is evident, according to Banaszak. He believes that the newfound public documents overwhelmingly suggest that the previous federal government made attempts to make the project appear more favorable. Initiatives such as the Foundation for Climate and Environmental Protection in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are just "the tip of the iceberg."
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- The Green party in Germany, led by Katharina Dröge, has called for a parliamentary investigation committee to scrutinize the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, citing unanswered questions and potential influence exerted by the German and SPD governments under Chancellor Angela Merkel.
- Alliance 90/The Greens argue that it's inconceivable that the events surrounding Nord Stream 2, a project deemed the "greatest economic, energy, and foreign policy failure" by a Green expert, have not been adequately explained or investigated, especially in light of Russia's involvement in gas supply and past geopolitical tensions.
- In the midst of dependency on Russian gas for energy supply, Berlin's decision to support the Nord Stream 2 project, despite facing criticism from various international allies, remains under scrutiny, prompting the Greens to push for an investigation committee to shed light on potential influences and motivations behind the controversial pipeline project.
