Germany and European Commission Agree to Ban Nord Stream Pipeline

Germany and the European Commission have reached a significant agreement to ban the Nord Stream gas pipeline, aimed at preventing its potential activation by both the United States and Russia. As reported by the Financial Times on May 22, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has spearheaded a new package of EU sanctions designed to permanently exclude the pipeline from the European energy framework.

This decision comes in response to growing concerns in Berlin and Brussels regarding rumors of plans by American and Russian businessmen to resume gas supplies, which could jeopardize Western unity in its opposition to Moscow. The agreement highlights Europe’s commitment to completely sever ties with Russian gas amidst the ongoing conflict.

According to the Financial Times, Merz’s government has approved measures that will render the infrastructure of both Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2—damaged by sabotage in 2022—unusable. Sources familiar with the negotiations indicate that the chancellor aims to quell internal discussions in Germany about the potential advantages of restoring gas cooperation with Russia.

The sanctions, coordinated with the European Commission, include a ban on any repairs or operations of the pipelines, as well as restrictions on financial transactions related to their restoration. In addition, Reuters reports that this decision was influenced by allegations of informal discussions between American investors and Russian counterparts regarding the potential revival of the project.