  Nord Stream 2

The investigation into who carried out the attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines continues. Journalistic research has now revealed that the findings of intelligence services point to Ukraine. According to these investigations, a pro-Ukrainian group may have carried out the attack. For Europe's press, the mystery is far from being solved.

The start-up of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, which was completed in September, has been delayed after Germany's Federal Network Agency suspended its certification on the grounds that the operator of the pipeline must be "organised in a legal form under German law". Europe's press is divided: is this a mere formality, or is Berlin using the situation to make a U-turn?

Berlin and Washington have settled their dispute over Nord Stream 2. The US will withdraw all sanctions in connection with the gas pipeline in return for Germany agreeing to support green energy projects that will make Ukraine less dependent on Russian gas. On the whole this is not a good solution for Europe, commentators write.

Joe Biden has announced that the US will not impose sanctions on the operator of Nord Stream 2 for the time being. He justified the decision pointing to overriding national interests such as maintaining good relations with Germany. The controversial new pipeline is set to begin transporting gas from Russia to Germany this summer. Observers say this is by no means the end of the issue.

The EU Parliament has called for construction work on the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline project to be halted following the arrest of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. The EU must put an "immediate stop" to the completion of the pipeline, a resolution adopted on Thursday states. Commentators also call for sanctions that have a more tangible impact.

The Nord Stream 2 project is highlighting the conflict between Germany's energy and foreign policies like no other project before it: direct access to Russian gas on the one hand, annoying key partners in Europe and the US on the other. So far energy policy has taken priority, but the Navalny case is making this strategy more controversial than ever.

The US has initiated sanctions against the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Companies whose vessels are installing the last few kilometres of the Baltic Sea pipeline face sanctions such as bans on entering the US for their managers and the blocking of financial transactions. Is this just a cheap attempt to eliminate the competition on the gas market?

After long hesitation, Denmark has given its approval for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that will run under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. This means that the remaining 147-kilometre section of the pipeline can be built, with plans for it to be ready by the end of the year. Commentators voice disappointment over the decision.

Germany has prevented a revision of the EU gas pipeline directive that could have stopped the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Paris had indicated it would back tougher rules, putting pressure on Berlin to negotiate a compromise that imposes certain restrictions on the pipeline. Has Germany lost credibility while Russia carries on regardless?

The US ambassador in Berlin, Richard Grenell, has written a letter to German companies threatening them with sanctions if they don't give up their participation in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. Was this an embarrassing faux pas, an act of desperation, or a letter that could mark a turning point?

The US government apparently wants to prevent the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from going ahead. According to observers, US authorities are working out plans for sanctions on companies that take part in the construction of the pipeline that is to link Russia and Germany. While some commentators criticise Trump for seeking to influence Europe's energy policy, others find the idea not bad at all.

The municipality of Karlshamn in southern Sweden has given permission for a Russian gas firm to use a section of its harbour during the construction of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Russian gas will be transported to Germany through the pipeline from the end of 2019. The Swedish government has warned of risks to national security, but for Karlshamn the prospect of millions in revenues and the creation of new jobs weighs more heavily. Should the government have prevented Karlshamn from approving the plans?