DISINFO: The Polish energy company prevents Nord Stream 2 from solving the EU gas problems
SUMMARY
In the situation of a delayed launch of the Nord Stream 2, the Europeans, including the Poles, will have problems. The Polish media inform about the upcoming 100% increase in gas prices, which will be a shock for consumers. In January 2022, the Nord Stream-2 could have reduced the imbalances between supply and demand on the EU gas market. However, the PGNiG [Polish energy company] does everything possible to prevent this - Russia will be to blame anyway.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the Nord Stream 2 project, suggesting that particular European countries (such as Poland) protest against it because of various subjective/ illegitimate reasons (US influence or Russophobia, to name a few.).
The Polish authorities and the PGNiG question the Nord Stream 2 project because they perceive it as a threat to the European energy market.
In September 2021, a group of EU Parliament members appealed to investigate the role of Gazprom in the massive spike in gas prices in Europe. This situation is perceived as a Russian pressure on the EU to accelerate the launch of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
The Polish authorities have repeatedly stated that Nord Stream 2 is incongruent with the goals of the EU’s energy policy. In their opinion, the pipeline would lead to further monopolisation of the market rather than the diversification of gas supplies to Europe.
A number of EU states are concerned about the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project and its implications for their energy security. Back in March 2016, leaders of 8 Central and Eastern European states sent a letter to the president of the European Commission objecting to the Nord Stream 2 project because of risks for energy security in the region. This position was also shared by the European Parliament.
Read more about the security concerns raised about the Nord Stream 2 project here and here.
See similar messages regarding the Polish position towards the Nord Stream 2: Polish decision to fine Gazprom for the Nord Stream 2 is directly connected to Navalny case, Polish actions against Nord Stream 2 are inconsistent with EU policies – they promote the US interests, and The concept of “energy security” has turned into an anti-Russian project.