Construction resumes on Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany

Berlin (dpa) – Construction of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is to double the capacity of natural gas carried from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea, has resumed, a spokesman for the company said on Friday.

The pipeline is reported to be more than 90-per-cent complete.

Construction was suspended last year after the United States imposed sanctions on the project, saying the pipeline would threaten the European Union’s security by increasing dependence on Russia.

In December 2019, construction work on the Danish island of Bornholm stopped abruptly because two Swiss laying vessels had ceased their work as a result of pressure from the US.

The same month the US passed the PEESA act, which provides a 30-day draw-down period for most companies determined to be conducting sanctionable activity on the pipeline.

Opponents of the pipeline, including the US, Poland and Ukraine, say the pipeline will give Russia an economic stranglehold over Germany, while the German government says it will create a direct and secure energy supply.

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