Waiving Nord Stream 2 sanctions makes sense

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 18, 2021
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Axios reported that the Biden administration will waive sanctions on the company in charge of Nord Stream 2 construction. Defense Priorities Policy Director Benjamin H. Friedman issued the following statement in response:

“Sanctioning German companies over the nearly complete Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a futile gesture likely to damage relations with Germany, and further trash relations with Russia, for no clear benefit. A decision to waive sanctions, while contrary to past indications from the Biden administration, would be welcome.

“The idea that the pipeline will make Germany dangerously dependent on Russia is misguided. Dependence runs both ways; buyers get some power, too. Economic interdependence is not a bad thing for deepening the peace among these historical antagonists. Germany can figure out its own interests.

“The United States shouldn’t tell Germany how to buy its energy, let alone use sanctions to enforce its preferences. Using sanctions this way is a form of economic bullying contrary to Washington’s self-proclaimed role as global leader and an accelerant for economic powers like Germany to limit their dependence on U.S. financial institutions, including the dollar.”