-Russia’s alternative for Western sanctions: TurkStream 2
Amid uncertainty over the feasibility of the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project, Russia has come up with a new plan to expand the TurkStream project in case the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is not fully utilized due to U.S. pressure and Europe's new gas directive.
Despite German resistance, the EU's new legislative initiative for the European natural gas market, namely the gas directive to extend EU rules to gas pipelines going to and coming from third countries, could make it difficult for the Russian energy company Gazprom to work in a market with the new legislation in place.
According to the new legislation prepared by members of the European Parliament and the European Commission, Nord Stream 2, which is under construction, needs to have an independent operator outside Gazprom.
With this proposed legislation, which is expected to come into effect, Gazprom's share in the Nord Stream 2 would be limited to 50 percent and the remaining share would be left to third parties, similar to the OPAL gas pipeline.
Upon completion of the Black Sea section of the TurkStream project, Gazprom President Alexey Miller said, 'Now the land infrastructure is being built. If there are the necessary demand and approvals, TurkStream 2 can be implemented.'
Russian experts contend that Gazprom can quickly implement the project provided there is sufficient demand from Europe, while Turkey's approach will also undoubtedly play a key role in this regard.