Lithuanian Parliament adopts a resolution urging Germany to stop NordStream2

On the 24th of September, the Lithuanian Parliament, having regard to the European Parliament’s resolution on the situation in Russia, the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, and continuing discussions on the future of “Nord Stream 2” in Germany, has adopted a resolution, urging Germany to stop the “Nord Stream2” gas pipeline project.

The resolution was initiated by the leaders of the conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats (members of European People’s Party), liberal Freedom Party (members of Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe), and social-democrat Lithuanian Social-democrat Party (members of Party of European Socialists).

“We have to address Germany and ask them to consider an opportunity to stop or at least halt the continuation of NordStream2. Our capabilities to convince Germany are not great, we also do understand they are very important partners of ours both in terms of EU and NATO, but we can and should send a friendly, diplomatic, political signal to Germany” – said one of the resolution’s initiators Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrat’s MP Laurynas Kasičiūnas.

The leader of the liberal “Freedom Party” Aušrinė Armonaitė was more critical than that.

“It is evident that Nordstream2, just like Nordstream1, is not economic, but a political, geopolitical product of Russia, which, along with Russian gas, will bring to Germany “Gazprom’s” money, corruption, and increased Russia’s interference” – said MP Aušrinė Armonaitė.

Division within German politics regarding NordStream2 echoes in the East

Conservative Homeland Union’s MP Žygimantas Pavilionis stressed the importance of German leadership and the division of opinion both in terms of Nord Stream 2, as well as politics in the East. 

“I congratulate this resolution because Germany is now divided on this question. Their leadership on what is happening in the East is much needed” – said Homeland Union’s MP Žygimantas Pavilionis.

Resolution’s initiator, Conservative MP Laurynas Kasčiūnas stressed to the Lithuanian Parliament that German liberals already suggest a moratorium for NordStream2 project, while Germany’s Greens are even more strict and want to halt it. 

“There is a deep and divisive discussion on the matter at our fellow EPP-member, German Christian Democrats  Union (CDU). In December, CDU will have a chairmanship election, and out of four leading candidates, three of them mention the need to increase sanctions on Russia, two are very openly negative about Nordstreams2 future. Among such politicians are Friedrich Merz and Norbert Roettegen. The latter even mentioned that “diplomatic rituals” are not enough anymore and we need a strong European response after Navalny’s poisoning” – said Laurynas Kasčiūnas.