[…]
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he will ensure Nord Stream 2, which the country once backed, would not go into operation, but for now the country has no legal means to prevent a sale of the assets, owned by Russian giant Gazprom.
[…]
In a parliamentary response dated June 24, the German Economy Ministry said the government was discussing a possible amendment during this legislative period to the foreign trade law as it does not currently provide for any investment review in the event of a takeover. Der Spiegel magazine first reported the news.
Former economy ministry state secretary and Green lawmaker Michael Kellner said the government must close this loophole.
“Pipelines in Germany or Europe do not belong in the hands of Russian or American companies,” he [said].
Merz has said he will ensure Nord Stream 2, which the country once backed, would not go into operation, but for now the country has no legal means to prevent a sale of the assets, owned by Russian giant Gazprom.
Let’s hope the government follows these pretty words up with action - like setting the legal means to prevent that sale. And don’t dawdle.
