The German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection is studying plans to nationalize the German section of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and connect it to a floating terminal for receiving liquefied natural gas, Spiegel reported on Friday, citing sources.
According to the article, the German government intends to connect the German portion of the pipeline to the LNG terminal. Spiegel recalled that Nord Stream 2 was already connected to the distribution network and that the segment could deliver gas directly to the south of Germany.
Experts, on the other hand, are concerned that disconnecting the pipes will cause environmental difficulties. Furthermore, there is uncertainty regarding property rights. Nord Stream 2 AG is on the verge of bankruptcy and has appointed an interim manager.
Above all, the German authorities are concerned about Russian response, particularly the potential nationalization of German enterprises' property in Russia.
