The Russian ship “Fortuna” resumed work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in Danish waters, a day after it was approved by the United States, after it was approved by the European Parliament last Thursday. EU to suspend work “immediately” in response to the arrest of Alexei Navalny.
The operator of the controversial project to bring natural gas from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea has announced that it has all the necessary permits to continue the work. “Fortune” will be placed on the last 150 kilometers of the gas pipeline, including 120 kilometers through Danish water and 30 kilometers through the German Sea, controlled by the Russian company Gosprom. 94% of the pipe is finished.
On January 19, 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on KVD-RUS, the owner of the last “Fortuna” vessel in a series of other operations aimed at halting the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
The United States and several EU countries have said they want to prevent the pipeline from being completed, which could strengthen Russia’s energy dependence on Europe and harm Ukraine as Russia’s gas transit country.
Despite growing criticism and a referendum in the European Parliament, Germany announced on January 20 that its plans for the project would remain “unchanged.”
MEPs voted overwhelmingly on Thursday – 581 votes in favor, 50 against and 44 – calling on the EU and its member states “Critically review cooperation with Russia on various foreign policy platforms and projects such as Nort Stream 2.”
