Northern Pipeline v. Poland's security
Construction of German-Russsian northern gas pipeline begins in April. The project clashes with Poland's interests on many points.
Joanna Najfeld reports
Finland has issued a final agreement for the construction of the German-Russian Northern Pipeline bypassing Poland. The construction of the controversial project is to begin in April. The project seriously clashes with Poland's interests and energy security issues.
Russia is the key supplier of natural gas to Poland. Even minor deliviery problems can cause substantial problems for Polish economy. Up to now, Poland was also a transit country for Russian deliveries to Germany. However, despite earlier agreements to extend the current pipelines throughout Poland with the purpose of transporting more gas to Germany, Russians decided to invest in the Northern Pipeline - a much bigger, more expensive and more complicated project bypassing Poland.
The pipeline will not have to be buried in the sea bed, which means it will reduce the depth of the waterway, leading to Swinoujscie, where Poland plans to construct and Liquid Natural Gas port, an alternative gas source to dependence on Russia. To prevent Poland's diversification attempts is very much in the interest of Russia, say experts. So, is there anything Poland can still do?