Inside Story

Why has Germany halted Nord Stream 2?

A pipeline created to supply gas from Russia to Europe has suffered another setback.

Germany’s energy regulator suspended approval of the Nord Stream 2 on Tuesday.

To operate the German part of the pipeline, it wants the Russian company behind the project to form a local subsidiary.

That has pushed up wholesale gas prices in the United Kingdom and European Union.

Last month, President Vladimir Putin announced Moscow could start supplies as soon as it gets the green light from Germany.

But what is really behind the German decision? And is politics at play?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra

Guests:

Ulrich Brueckner – Professor of political science at Stanford University in Berlin

Pavel Felgenhauer – Political commentator and columnist for Novaya Gazeta

Cornelia Meyer – Economist, and oil and gas specialist