German CDU leader Friedrich Merz has warned that a shortage of gas in Europe could lead to a “dispute” over its division among European countries.
“It is likely that there will be serious conflicts over distribution within the European Union, as was the case in 2015 and 2016 when there was a migration crisis,” Merz said in a statement to German media.
He warned against “bargaining” about the possibility of cutting off gas supplies from Russia, saying: “We should not talk about such scenarios in public statements. If Russia sticks to the contracts, deliveries will resume after preventive maintenance.”
It is noteworthy that Russia has reduced gas supplies to Europe this year due to the suspension of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline and the reduction in pumping through the Nord Stream and the Ukrainian GTS, as well as repair work on the Turkish Stream.
Recently, Gazprom announced the suspension of gas supplies via Nord Stream due to repair work from 11 to 21 July.
Source: RIA Novosti