Kallas: Nord Stream pipelines must remain shut to protect Europe’s energy security

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines must never be allowed to resume operations, arguing they pose a strategic risk to Europe’s long-term energy security and political independence.

“The Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines must not be allowed to resume operation to supply energy resources to Europe in the future,” Caliber.Az quotes Kallas as saying via German media.

“It would be a precautionary step to ensure that Europe is never again held hostage by its dependence on Russian energy,” she said during an interview at the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn. 

Her comments come amid reports of renewed interest in reviving at least part of the pipeline infrastructure, despite Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and extensive EU sanctions against the Kremlin.

Kallas, who served as Estonia’s prime minister until 2024 and now holds the position of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, expressed concern that “absurdly, there have been recent efforts suggesting that an operational restart is being considered.” She stressed the need for the EU to act preventively and decisively to avoid any backsliding.

Though Nord Stream 2 was never fully commissioned and Nord Stream has been out of service since the invasion of Ukraine, both pipelines remain contentious symbols of Europe’s former energy ties with Moscow.

Kallas said discussions are already underway within the European Commission about incorporating stronger measures into the EU’s upcoming sanctions package. “We are considering additional sanctions that would include restrictions on Nord Stream 1 and 2 and the Russian financial sector,” she said. “We must use all available tools to prevent Russia from regaining influence through energy exports.”

She also backed a proposal by US Senator Lindsey Graham to impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, urging Europe to explore similar initiatives.

Kallas, who was born during Soviet occupation in Estonia, has long warned of the dangers of appeasement and dependency on authoritarian regimes. “Our freedom is not guaranteed unless we defend it actively – and that includes securing our energy supply,” she said.

Her remarks signal a firm line in Brussels ahead of further EU deliberations on tightening sanctions and ending any remaining avenues for Russian gas to reach the European market.

By Aghakazim Guliyev