US sanctions on the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project between Russia and Germany are unproductive. It would damage the relationship between the United States and Europe.

Moreover, the project is almost completed. That’s what US President Joe Biden said.

Last week, it was announced that the US would waive sanctions against the company overseeing the construction of Nord Stream 2, a gas pipeline running through the Baltic Sea. Washington often criticized the project for making Europe more dependent on Russian natural gas, giving Moscow more influence in Western Europe.

That would be at the expense of safety. Countries such as Poland and Ukraine are also vehemently against the project. Germany has consistently rejected this criticism and argues that the gas pipeline provides a direct and secure energy supply.

Biden says that he has always been an opponent of Nord Stream 2 but says that sanctions are no longer applicable now that the more than 1,200-kilometre long pipeline is almost ready.

A small part still has to be constructed in German waters. With Nord Stream 2, the capacity for gas supplies from Russia to Germany is to be doubled. Many companies are involved in the project, including oil and gas group Shell.