Though many expected the EU to renew sanctions against Russia for its incursions in Ukraine as a matter of course, Italy has delayed proceedings by asking for more discussion on the matter. Important to this discussion seems to be Berlin’s intention to move forward with the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which would increase Germany’s capacity to import Gazprom natural gas. The FT reports:
[Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi] last week blocked an effort to roll over the measures against Russia for another six months amid irritation at Germany’s insistence on moving forward with the pipeline, which largely follows …read more
Source: The American Interest
