Page 6 - FSUOGM Week 06 2021

FSUOGM COMMENTARY FSUOGM

US open to easing Nord

Stream 2 sanctions

Biden thinks Nord Stream 2 is a “bad idea”, but he is likely to prioritise maintaining

Washington’s relations with allies over protecting the market share of US gas

WHAT: THE US may be prepared to enter talks with Work on Nord Stream 2 ground to a halt in
The US is reportedly Germany on easing its sanctions on Nord Stream December 2019, after the US imposed its first
eyeing an end to 2, German business paper Handelsblatt has said, sanctions on the project, initially targeting only
sanctions on the Nord signalling that the Biden administration may the owners of pipe-layers. Russia responded by
Stream 2 pipeline. have resigned itself to the fact that the Russian deploying its own pipe-laying vessels, which
pipeline will be completed. began work in German waters towards the end
WHY: Washington has been an ardent opponent of of last year.
Washington wants Nord Stream 2, causing clashes with Germany Washington was expected to expand its
concessions in return. and its other European allies that are anticipating sanctions regime in the near future, following
economic gains from the project. However, the the passing of a bill by both houses of US Con-
WHAT NEXT: new US administration has signalled it could be gress. These new measures will also target those
All eyes are on Germany willing to discuss lifting its sanctions, Handels- providing technical certification and insurance,
to see how it will react blatt reported, citing a US official involved in the as well as other construction activities such as
to events unfolding in talks. The report comes after US Press Secretary surveying, trenching and rock replacement.
Russia. Jen Psaki said in late January that the Biden The threat has led to a number of companies
administration would review sanctions imposed pulling out of the project, including German
by its predecessor. engineering firm Bilfinger, Swiss insurer Zurich

P6 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 06 10•February•2021