The
US Congress is not happy. The Chamber of Representatives just approved a bill
to sanction all companies that are engaged in the building of the gas pipeline known
as Nordstream 2. This pipeline will connect the production fields in Russia to
the consumers in Germany and beyond. It crosses the Baltic Sea. And it is key
for the supply of this part of the EU. But our American friends see it differently.
For them, this pipeline creates additional subordination to the Russian energy
sector and, in addition, makes the pipeline through Ukraine less lucrative for
the Ukrainians.
This
is no good news. It is another front of tension between us and them. It widens
the gap. And it reminds many of us that it is time to have a different approach
to our external relations. Europe needs a stronger and more independent
capacity to deal with friends and adversaries.
Unfortunately,
events like this emphasise that often it is better to negotiate with
adversarial powers than with allies. And when we start looking at things from
such a prism it is better to have a clear view and move without any type of
hesitation.
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