Posted on 07/11/2022 12:49:29 PM PDT by Mariner
BERLIN - The main natural gas pipeline between Russia and Germany shut down for scheduled maintenance Monday, raising concerns that Moscow could use the repairs as a pretext for a longer shutdown as it wields energy supplies as leverage in the Ukraine war.
European ministers warned that it was unclear whether Moscow would turn the taps on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline back on after the 10 days of scheduled work. Germany's economy minister, Robert Habeck, said Berlin was concerned about a "nightmare scenario" this winter if Russia decides against doing so.
"Everything is possible, everything can happen," he told Deutschlandfunk radio on Sunday. "We have to prepare for the worst."
Speaking at a business conference in southern France, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire went further, saying that a total cutoff was "the most likely scenario." He said that "it would be totally irresponsible to ignore this scenario."
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline pumps about 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas under the Baltic Sea to Germany each year. From there, it is also distributed to other countries in Europe. Virtually the entire European Union has said that weaning itself off Russian gas should be a priority, but several member countries remain heavily reliant on Moscow.
Despite scrambling to diversify its supply since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Germany is still reliant on Russia for about 35% of its supplies, while France gets 17% of its gas from Russia.
(Excerpt) Read more at yahoo.com ...
It would throw the west into full on economic Depression (>10% reduction in GDP over 2 years) and wreak every existing political consensus in Europe and America.
Thanks to stupid assed neoconservatives.
The governments there sound like a bunch of girls.
Reap what thou hast sown.
And war mongering leftists. There’s never been a war that neither didn’t like for different reasons.
Europe insulted President Trump and then cheered Biden with “Now we have America back again.” as he would be their patsy as usual.
Europeans will face punishment and suffering at some point and have not repented for those actions.
yeah, that will show the Russians - no more petro-dollars for them.
On to victory!
With any luck, it will remain shut off by winter and this winter will be the coldest in 1000 years ending global warming hype and sending scoldilox and John F’ing Kerry and the rest to the septic tank of history
I honestly don’t understand why Germany thinks Russia should show them any kindness. Actions have consequences and that is what is happening.
Maybe they should wait to see when the maintenence is done before reacting.
Europe should be thankful this is happening now instead of in December.
And they lauged at President Trump about energy security & Russia. Dummies!
Who's laughing now?
NATO has made it perfectly clear that Russia is their enemy and NATO will do whatever it takes to bring Russia to heel...or worse.
It is in Russia’s national interest to show no quarter.
For a number of reasons, I don’t think the Rooskies can afford to close the pipeline for an extended period, as in months.
“Europe should be thankful this is happening now instead of in December.”
Natural gas is priced globally. Sourced and shipped globally.
Soaring prices and supply disruptions will hit every country on earth (except Russia) and, indirectly, kill millions.
Increased gas prices drive increase fertilizer and electricity costs too. 40% of US electricity is generated by natural gas.
Germany needs that gas for their industrial base. They can put on extra blankets in their residences but they can’t run industry without gas and coal. Solar and wind cannot power industry. Germany will take a real economic hit
Europe deserves everything they’re getting. Green crap leads to everyone freezing in the dark.
Dulce et decorum est.
President Trump told them they were fools to trust or depend upon Russia. They didn’t listen.
And now they wish they had.
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