BERLIN: Germany has given the go-ahead for Nord Stream 2. The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (bsh) in Berlin approved the project on Tuesday, March 27. Nord Stream 2 will increase Russia’s direct gas supply to Germany through the Baltic Sea. Germany’s European neighbors and internal critics fear the new pipeline will only increase Europe’s dependence on Russia. But you don’t have to dig deep to find out why Germany is so keen on pushing the deal forward. Nord Stream 2 not only will majorly increase Russia’s geopolitical power leverage, but also Germany’s.
Since 2011, when Nord Stream 1 began delivering gas, Europe’s gas demand has increased each year. In 2017, the pipeline reached 93 percent of its total transportation capacity. The supplied gas meets the needs of 24 million households in the EU. Nord Stream 2 is expected to transport enough gas to supply 26 million more households with Russian gas.
Nord Stream 2 will run through the Baltic Sea zones of northern European countries. But before construction can begin, Denmark, Finland and Sweden must give their approval. Assuming all requirements are met, Nord Stream 2 will be built this year.
