Lenta.ru: Release of Nord Stream-2 postponed

Lenta.ru: Release of Nord Stream-2 postponed

INFORMATION / DISINFORMATION / BA COMMENT


Lenta.ru: Release of Nord Stream-2 postponed

 

Russia’s Nord Stream-2 pipeline will be launched in mid-2020, said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, TASS quoted. “In the middle of next year,” Kozak informed, not specifying which month it would happen.

Earlier, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the launch of Nord Stream-2 could take place before the end of this year.

US Senator Ted Cruz said US sanctions on Gazprom’s partners in the project could delay its launch indefinitely. To that end, Washington may adopt a special law or take advantage of existing laws.

 

BA Comment

Dmitry Kozak’s assessment, while more realistic than the Gazprom and Kremlin fanfares, does not take into account the fact that in order to enter into operation this pipeline is not enough to complete the technical tests. It must pass a conformity assessment and obtain the EC’s approval of the amendments to the Gas Directive. This also applies to the UGAL terrestrial part, which will have to apply for and receive an ‘exception’ to the Directive, which at this stage is more than imaginary, because there is already a ruling of the EU Court of Justice on twin and OPAL.

Generally, politicians make such statements easily.