Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline from St. Petersburg to Germany has been one of the hottest points of contention in the US-EU-Russia relationship for years now. The US and a majority of EU states fear that the project can be used as a geopolitical weapon against countries in Eastern Europe. Supporters of the project deny this and assert that the US should not apply sanctions against the pipeline because “allies should not sanction allies,” even though US sanctions would not target Germany. As the pipeline nears completion, Dr. Anders Åslund answers the key question, “what will the true impact of a completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline be?” In his new issue brief, Åslund goes beyond the typical conversation to provide relevant, in-depth analysis of the national security, energy security, and geopolitical implications of an operational pipeline.

Following a presentation of key findings from Åslund, US Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) will deliver remarks on the report and the importance of addressing Nord Stream 2. A panel discussion will follow with Ambassador John Herbst, director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, and Ambassador Daniel Fried, Weiser Family Distinguished Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Dr. Agnia Grigas, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, joining Åslund to consider the implications of this issue brief and its importance to the Nord Stream 2 debate. Melinda Haring, deputy director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, moderates.

Read Representative Kaptur’s statement.

View Anders’ presentation.

Read the issue brief

Issue Brief

Apr 27, 2021

What will the impact be if Nord Stream 2 is completed?

By Anders Åslund

A completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline will have an impact on a number of issues, from national and energy security to geopolitical and governance considerations, all while the gas supply will hardly be impacted with costs already sunk. Does the pipeline make commercial sense?

Eastern Europe Economic Sanctions

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