Germany has halted the certification process for the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in reaction to Russia’s aggression with Ukraine
Germany stopped the process after Russian President Putin announced that his nation would recognise the self-proclaimed republics in Luhansk and Donetsk in east Ukraine.
German chancellor, Olaf Scholz announced swift actions are being taken in response the growing threat that Moscow is preparing to invade its neighbour.
“This may sound technical, but it is the necessary administrative step without which the pipeline cannot be certified,”
Scholz said at a press conference in Berlin at midday.
Germany’s energy minister, Robert Habeck instructed the withdrawal of a security-of-supply assessment granted under Angela Merkel’s tenure, which is required to authorise the pipeline between Russia and Germany.
“Without this certification Nord Stream 2 cannot go into operation”.
Mr Scholz stated that he has commissioned a new assessment into Germany’s energy security as tensions between Russia and Ukraine reach boiling point.
