The main topics of talks between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki were bilateral relations, the situation in Ukraine, migration policy and defense. The politicians also discussed the construction of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. According to Germany, this is an economic project. This view of the gas pipeline proposed by the Russians is opposed by Poland.
Differences between Poland and Germany
– We have different views on Nord Stream 2. We perceive Nord Stream 2 as an economic project. As Germany, we are in favor of diversifying sources of gas supply. Nord Stream 2 is not a threat to it. This is an economic project – said the German Chancellor, while emphasizing that Berlin is in favor of maintaining gas transit through Ukraine.
Deliveries of Russian gas through Ukraine
In this context, Prime Minister Morawiecki pointed out that he had talked to the Chancellor about the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. He stated that Poland did not agree with Germany’s position on this project. He stressed that it should be subject to the regulations of the third energy package.
– I do not agree with the thesis that Nord Stream 2 is intended to diversify. This is gas from the same source, just a different route. I pointed the risks of cutting off Ukraine from transit. What is important is what Mrs. Chancellor said about gas transit through Ukraine. I pointed to the earlier blocking of the South Stream project and the need to include Nord Stream 2 in the third energy package and the gas directive – said the head of the Polish government.
The third package
In his opinion, one should talk in the European Commission forum about the third energy package and the actual diversification of sources of gas supply consisting in the construction of LNG terminals and new gas connections within the Union. – This will give greater opportunities to distribute gas from various sources in the future, so that none of the parties will dictate gas prices – said Prime Minister Morawiecki.
In the morning, in an interview with the Polish Radio, Prime Minister Morawiecki said that the construction of Nord Stream 2 is a political issue and concerns large, serious threats that may arise if this project is implemented. Earlier, the Polish Prime Minister has repeatedly emphasized his opposition to the construction of Nord Stream 2, drawing attention to the political nature of the project, which poses a threat to the security of the region.
Nord Stream 2
The first gas pipeline from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea – Nord Stream – was put into operation in 2012. Its capacity is 55 billion cubic meters annually. The same amount of gas will flow through Nord Stream 2. The planned gas pipeline may threaten the development of the market in the region and potential competition in the form of supplies from new, non-Russian sources.