Germany. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Annalena Baerbock: We did not listen to our friends’ concerns

Referring to the loss of confidence of the Eastern European partner countries in German foreign policy, the head of German diplomacy Annalena Baerbock she stated that “a lot of porcelain was broken”, which in this context meant a deterioration of relations. She added that this did not apply only to the recent months, i.e. to the coalition rule SPDGreens and FDPbut also earlier years.

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Baerbock specifically mentioned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. – By sticking to Nord Stream 2, we did not listen to the concerns of our Baltic and Eastern European friends – noted the head of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Baerbock party, the Greens, while still in opposition, strongly criticized the gas pipeline project and warned against excessive dependence on Russian energy.

According to the minister, however, not only Nord Stream 2, but also the issue of transfer which has been discussed for weeks Ukraine heavy weapons divided the German side with its Eastern European partners. In general, heavy arms deliveries to Ukraine were “undecided” and this is another reason for the deterioration of relations with Eastern Europe and the Baltic states, Baerbock assessed.

According to the head of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, now further, quick and additional deliveries are needed in the fall “so that the Ukrainians can now defend themselves.” At the same time – as Baerbock said – you have to be prepared that the war will also continue next year. In the coming weeks, Germany will provide Ukraine with the Iris-T air defense system, and in 2023 more systems are to be handed over.