The improvement in relations with Moscow in recent decades has reinforced the assumption on the German side that interdependence leads to stability, transparency and ultimately systemic change, Haber wrote in a guest article for the Washington Post on Monday. That turned out not to be true.
“We have ignored warning signs to the contrary and have not taken criticism from our allies and partners as seriously as we should, particularly regarding the geopolitical implications of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.”
Haber emphasized, “That’s all over now.” Germany has embarked on a radical new course in a number of areas, for example with a view to increasing independence from Russian energy, arms exports to Ukraine or a substantial increase in defense spending. It is important to note “how far Germany has come in such a short time,” Haber wrote. This change is “real and permanent”. And this change strengthens already close relations with Germany’s allies, especially with the United States.
In recent years, the US government has sharply criticized Germany’s commitment to the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline, which has long sparked resentment and anger between Berlin and Washington. The pipeline was built to bring Russian gas directly to Germany. The United States had warned Germany not to become too dependent on Russian gas. The federal government finally halted the approval process for the finished pipeline in February, shortly before the Russian attack on Ukraine.
(SDA)