If there was no Nord Stream Putin wouldn't be able to invade without Baltic States, Poland and Ukraine shutting down the gas trade with western Europe. Which is a big part of Russian budget.
Germany knew about this from the start, heads of these states warned about exactly this scenario since 90s, yet Germany pursued cost-cutting over stabilisation of the region. And called these states "russophobic".
Even after 2008 invasion of Georgria. And after 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
German chancellor Schroeder was then found out to be corrupted by Russian gas company Gasprom, and later moved on to work in board of Gasprom.
Germans still pursued Nord Stream 2 and almost finished it recently.
Obviously the one at fault is Putin and Russia, but Germany was instrumental in making it possible. It must be taken into account if EU has any chances of working. You cannot be this egoistic and/or naive for decades without consequences.
Is there any way for EU members to demand one member to explain itself and correct their behavior?
>If there was no Nord Stream Putin wouldn't be able to invade without Baltic States, Poland and Ukraine shutting down the gas trade with western Europe. Which is a big part of Russian budget.
This is an easily testable theory. It would take 2-3 small boats and some explosives, <$100K budget, to cripple Nord Stream 1.
Germany knew about this from the start, heads of these states warned about exactly this scenario since 90s, yet Germany pursued cost-cutting over stabilisation of the region. And called these states "russophobic".
Even after 2008 invasion of Georgria. And after 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
German chancellor Schroeder was then found out to be corrupted by Russian gas company Gasprom, and later moved on to work in board of Gasprom.
Germans still pursued Nord Stream 2 and almost finished it recently.
Obviously the one at fault is Putin and Russia, but Germany was instrumental in making it possible. It must be taken into account if EU has any chances of working. You cannot be this egoistic and/or naive for decades without consequences.
Is there any way for EU members to demand one member to explain itself and correct their behavior?