Experts: Nord Stream II is a Challenge for the European and Ukrainian Security But We Can Counteract
The Nord Stream II Project can become a serious challenge for the Ukrainian and European energy security. This was discussed at the presentation of the research “Nord Stream II: Legislation and Policy Analysis.”
Thus, according to the author, Professor Alan Riley, the launch of Nord Stream II equally threatens both Europe and Ukraine. “After launching the Nord Stream II Ukraine will lose USD 1.2 billion that it currently receives for gas transit. Furthermore, it will diminish the importance of Ukraine to the EU because European gas won’t come through your territory. This is a threat to Europe as well, since 86 billion cubic meters of gas in the heart of Europe will be actually controlled by Gazprom. This is anticompetitive and undermines the concept of the Energy Union,” said Alan Riley.
His opinion was supported by the President of the DiXi Group Think Tank Olena Pavlenko. “Nord Stream II is one of the arguments why Russia does not try to lead a large-scale war on the territory of Ukraine. This is an issue of our security,” she said.
A People’s Deputy of Ukraine Hanna Hopko called for acceleration of reforms in the state that will strengthen the credibility and negotiating position of Ukraine. “We have a clear understanding that Nord Stream II is intended to destroy the Ukrainian economy. So, we have to stand up united,” she summed up.
Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine were talking about reforms as well. “We made it possible to blackmail Europe through the lack of rapid reform in Ukraine. In particular, at NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine,” shared her opinion Deputy Minister Olena Zerkal. “70% of steps in counteracting Nord Stream II are located in the territory of Ukraine. We should implement the good legislation that was adopted. And also to follow it up,” said the press secretary of Naftogaz Olena Osmolovska.
“Energy is a pretty important tool in a hybrid war. Therefore, it is important to carry out the policy of informing European colleagues that Ukraine is a reliable transporter,” agreed with other experts Natalia Katser-Buchkovska, a People’s Deputy of Ukraine.
Instead, Russian expert Mykhailo Krutikhin advised to consider Nord Stream II in terms of the internal situation in Gazprom. According to him, Ukrainian pipelines will be needed for a rather long time.
As reported earlier, German officials promised not to prevent Russia from building a gas pipeline bypassing Ukraine.
