Germany takes steps to halt Nord Stream 2

Olaf Scholz said his government was taking the measure in response to Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses a joint news conference with Ireland’s Prime Minister (not pictured) following talks at the Chancellery, in Berlin, Germany February 22, 2022. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Germany has taken steps to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday, as the West started taking punitive measures against Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.

Mr. Scholz told reporters in Berlin that his government was taking the measure in response to Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

The pipeline bringing natural gas from Russia to Germany has long been criticised by the United States and some European countries who argue that it increases Europe's reliance on Russian energy supplies.

Mr Scholz said that the government had decided to “reassess” the certification of the pipeline, which hasn't begun operating yet, in light of the latest developments.

“That will certainly take time, if I may say so,” he said.