US President Joe Biden would like to strengthen cooperation with Germany, but the rapprochement between the two countries is hindered by different positions on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, RIA Novosti reports citing German media.
Thus, observers of the Süddeutsche Zeitung emphasize that the American leader is faced with a dilemma: “exchanging pleasantries” and making concessions on the gas pipeline, he risks losing the consensus between Democrats and Republicans in Congress. Otherwise, he may miss the chance to normalize relations and reveal new contradictions between the United States and Germany.
It is noted that Biden has already received a letter from two Republican senators demanding to continue the policy of his predecessor in the presidency, Donald Trump, and take a tough stance on the completion of Nord Stream 2.
Nevertheless, the authors of the material indicate that Germany has remained principled in this matter and will not agree to develop contacts with the new administration in the event of new sanctions and the breakdown of the contract. They advised Berlin to take advantage of the new opportunity for dialogue, but make another “interesting proposal” to Washington that would calm both American political parties.
Last summer, Berlin actively supported Nord Stream 2. The German Ministry of Finance has sent a proposal to its American colleagues, according to which Germany is ready to allocate a billion euros for the construction of two terminals for receiving American LNG, if Washington lifts sanctions from the gas pipeline. As early as 2021, it became known that the European and American sides were discussing a “strategic package” on the Russian gas pipeline that could satisfy Washington.
For example, among the proposals is the ability to automatically turn off the gas supply through Nord Stream 2 if Russia is caught in violation of human rights or international law. A source familiar with the course of the discussion noted that it is difficult to predict the outcome of the negotiations. However, the likely outcome could be the adoption of the Berlin proposal.
Currently, the construction of the facility is not completed; a section of the gas pipeline is being laid in the territorial waters of Denmark. Work on the territory of the kingdom is planned to be completed in April 2021. In general, Gazprom expects that Nord Stream 2 will be completed by the end of this year.