Earlier this week on Wednesday, September 28th, Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline into Europe suffered two explosions. The pipeline, which had been shut down earlier this year towards the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Originally built in 2016 as a step in a series of energy projects between the E.U and Russia, including its sibling Nord Stream, was one of the largest single suppliers of natural gas into Germany. Although the project did go through, it sparked many concerns that it would make the Europeans Unions greatest economic power, Germany, overly dependent on Russia for energy.
Following the start of the conflict in Ukraine, when the E.U and other U.S allied nations levied heavy sanctions against Russia, this problem was only further exacerbated. The Nord Stream pipeline closed and energy prices surged across Europe. Today as prices begin to fall in the U.S, Gas across the E.U hovers just below a whopping $6. In E.U strongholds like Brussels prices rest at a grueling average of $5.91. This problem was moderately mitigated through the summer as warm weather led to campaigns of low energy usage in favor of open windows and leisurely strolls. This of course could not curb the energy crisis drastically. While certainly caught in a wild storm of controversy, this very cost of energy crisis helped fuel the resignation of the U.Ks prime minister Boris Johnson just weeks ago. While life has marched on in Europe, it would be ignorant to ignore the fact that all eyes look to winter. When people are inevitably unable to heat their homes in the cold winter, this crisis will worsen.
This problem is expected to be especially bad in Germany. Germany, the most populous, and most economically powerful of the E.U nations has begun closing the last of its nuclear power plants. The number of energy generated within its borders continues to diminish. The country's green energy plan is also put into jeopardy by the fact that some German plants and buildings have been forced into the use of coal power. While sending 2 billion in aid to Ukraine, Germany pays that weight in energy prices to Russia every month.
Which brings us to the pipeline. While not currently in operation, the undersea pipeline still had gas in it. Assuming the conflict in Ukraine is to eventually come to an end the pipeline would be essential once more. Especially for Germany. This likely rules out many if not all E.U members. Despite this some have blamed Poland, whose government has been particularly hawkish in regards to Russia. Among certain circles the Ukrainian's were floated as perpetrators but the technology required to pull off the feet of an underwater bombing is a capability not often replicated by the militaries of the world. While not impossible for Ukraine, it is overwhelmingly unlikely. This leaves the two likely suspects as the U.S and Russia.
Unfortunately for those who seek the truth, the immediate answer is not exactly clear yet. While it is indeed true that the U.S had warned of the possibility of action against the pipeline in the past. However, the event has the possibility of spooking energy investors which could sharply drive up the price of gas. This panic is not certain but it is a possibility. The potential of a rising gas cost is something U.S President Biden has sought to prevent as of late. While not immediately disqualifying the U.S from consideration this does put some skepticism on its accusers. Leaving the second possibility of Russia. Indeed it does not exactly make sense for Russia to willingly damage its own property but it is no impossibility. The pipeline, as currency is situated, is no longer the source of profit that it had been previously because it is shut down. Damaging the pipeline would certainly not lose money for Russia currently, and the cost is not unpayable. Nonetheless, it seems rather odd for Russia to act in such a manner. One would assume that Russia would eventually wish to make profit from the pipeline again. Especially considering that nearly 40% of Russian Gross Domestic Product is generated from the foreign purchase of natural gas. This could all be some sort of elaborate mind game, meant to screw with the E.U economically, but all in all the action seems rather odd.
It is perhaps noteworthy that the E.U firmly believes the actions were perpetrated within the confines of Europe and that many European officials were eager to point fingers at Russia. Then again these countries are overwhelmingly allied with both the U.S and Ukraine which may potentially skew or pervert their information. As of the 29th of September, NATO has formally accused the explosions as a Russian plot, although further information is still pending. Until then it would seem Europe has found itself in the center of a mystery.
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