Merz backs EU’s Russian sanctions plan to keep Nord Stream shut

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed support on Saturday for the European Commission’s proposal to prevent the resumption of operations of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea as part of new sanctions against Russia.

He made the statement following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.

The German leader noted that direct talks between Russia and Ukraine on Friday in Istanbul had fallen short of his expectations, “despite the Ukrainian negotiating team’s maximally constructive approach.”

On May 10, during a visit to Kiev, Merz, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, issued an ultimatum to Russia, demanding a 30-day ceasefire. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago.

The leaders warned of sanctions in the event of non-compliance.

The Europeans are now preparing a new sanctions package, which will primarily target the financial and energy sectors. On Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed initial details.

A spokeswoman for von der Leyen explained that the possible sanctions on the pipelines would be to “to dissuade any interest, and notably interest from investors, in pursuing any activity on Nord Stream also in the future.”

The gas pipeline Nord Stream 1 delivered Russian gas to Europe until summer 2022 before it was damaged by explosions. Nord Stream 2 never entered into service.