Nord Stream 2 gives Russia the ability to bypass completely the countries in the EU (all that sit between Russia and Germany of course) it now has to pay transit fees to for passing through. I’m sure those countries are not particularly excited about that possibility.
I simply despise Marxist Angela Merkel, she is anti-American. Of course, that’s nothing new for the German Left. But, Merkel is on her way out (before 2021) and determined to leave a foul mark. Germany has sucked at the teat of America for far too long. I say, good riddance to bad rubbish. I know I’m in the minority with that view, but it is nonetheless my position.
By German terms Merkel is a conservative. And I am not kidding. As for transit countries you are right but once again it was in their interest not to obstruct transit by setting unreasonable fees to start with.