the German Government is preparing for U.S. sanctions in connection with Russian gas pipeline project "Nord stream – 2". On Tuesday writes German edition Bild, referring to a confidential document from the Federal Ministry of Economics.
the document says that on Tuesday, the US Senate has to approve the "Law on approval of the state defence 2020". The signature of the President trump the law is expected before December 20, 2019. Thus sanctions against the "Nord stream – 2" will enter into force no later than Friday.
"the Federal government does not rule out that the announced sanctions will prevent the laying of pipes in the Danish foreign trade zone", - warns the Ministry of economy (BMWi).
This means that the Dutch-Swiss company Allseas, which currently pipeline from the Danish island of Bornholm, may face U.S. sanctions as early as Friday or stop construction of the pipeline.
According to the document, the US plans to impose sanctions against this company that allows for the freezing of its accounts and ban on entry of its employees in the United States.
the Federal government "will carefully examine the specific implications of the law for implementation of the Nord Stream project 2" after the signing of the law by US President Donald trump.
in addition, Berlin apparently sees the chance for completion, "Nord stream – 2" in a 30-day "period of inactivity", which the law provides for "cessation" of work without penalty for those who engage in it.
Only after these options will be evaluated, will decide "what specific measures" to respond to the law, says Bild.
Earlier it was reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Russian President Vladimir Putin on delivery of natural gas to Europe, including on the prospects of transit of fuel through Ukraine.
United States opposes the pipeline, which will allow Russia to bypass intermediaries from Poland and Ukraine to deliver gas directly to Germany, saying that it will strengthen Europe's dependence on strategic rival in the East.
