European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is reportedly considering sanctions to prevent the repair of the Nord Stream pipelines. These sanctions aim to block the restoration of the gas link between Russia and Germany. The move has sparked opposition from some German politicians.
Current sanctions, under the American Protecting European Energy Security Act (PEESA), prohibit the "construction" of Nord Stream 2. Some argue that these sanctions do not explicitly prevent "reconstruction" efforts on both Nord Stream 1 and 2. Repairing the pipelines could potentially restore gas flow between Russia and Germany.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has called on the government to block any sanctions preventing pipeline repairs. They accuse von der Leyen of an "unprecedented economic policy attack on Germany". The AfD advocates for restarting Nord Stream to boost Germany's economy with affordable gas.