European Parliament Deputy: Nord Stream-2 will increase Europe's dependence on Russian gas
Gas has become not just energy, but a strategic weapon, that’s why the Nord Stream-2 project cannot be considered as a purely economic issue, as expressed by European Parliament Deputy, Elmar Brok, during the panel discussion "Ukraine: In the Grip of a Crisis?", Ukrinform reports.
"Gas is not just energy, it has become a strategic weapon. And when Putin holds energy and politics in his own hands, we say that this is purely an economic issue. Putin is laughing at this," Brok said.
He also noted that Russian Gazprom is allowed to do what is not allowed by European enterprises - to be a producer, a pipeline owner, and a supplier. Therefore, the European Commission is now trying to make the Russian company comply with the rules that apply to its European partners, he explained.
The MEP reminded that Europe’s dependency on Russian gas already amounts to 37%, and this dependence will become even greater, approximately up to 45%.
"At the same time, such countries as Ukraine, Poland, and others will be cut off, and we will be forced to redirect Gazprom's gas that enters Germany to these countries. This is insane!" the politician said.