The German magazine Der Spiegel reported a few days ago that German authorities were considering nationalizing a section within Germany of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, to use it to distribute liquefied natural gas that it would receive at a proposed floating terminal. Nord Stream 2 is a fully completed pipeline designed to carry Russian natural gas exports to Germany and elsewhere in Europe, which was stopped cold by U.S. pressure followed by sanctions against Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about the Der Spiegel report yesterday, to which he responded: “Let’s not delve into hypothetical discussions. If there are any specific actions, then first of all, lawyers will be the ones responsible for providing a legal assessment of such actions, if they are indeed being discussed.”
The Der Spiegel account admits that the German government is hesitant about proceeding with the idea, because of Russia’s possible response, particularly the potential nationalization of German companies’ property in Russia.
