Nord Stream 2: A New Chapter in Energy Geopolitics

Abstract

The Americans are constantly opposing this project as it will increase Europe's dependency on Russia for gas supplies. It’s also worried the pipeline could open ways for Russia to install undersea surveillance equipment in the Baltic Sea, said Sandra Oudkirk, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Energy diplomacy while speaking to reporters in Berlin. Also, Oudkirk wanted to pass on the message to German officials that if the project goes ahead, European companies will be open to U.S. sanctions under a bill passed in August 2017. The move could affect Gazprom’s financial partners in the project who are mainly based out of Europe. The Polish official said Poland and the U.S. hold similar views on the project and have criticized it.