Nord Stream 2

Why in news?

•  US and Germany reached a deal on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline– which significantly increases Europe’s energy dependence on Russia– under which Berlin will respond to stop Moscow should the latter use the strategically critical gas system as political leverage.

About Nord Stream 2:

• Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline currently under construction from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea
• The new pipeline will run alongside the already constructed Nord Stream, an already working system of offshore natural gas pipelines from Russia to Germany.

• The 1,200 kilometer pipeline travels from Russia to Germany.
•  Its route enters the territorial waters and EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) of three other countries: Finland, Sweden and Denmark.
• The pipeline is intended to provide Europe with a sustainable gas supply while providing Russia with more direct access to the European gas market.
• Many countries are sceptic that  the pipeline could provide Russia with an opportunity to gain intelligence and plot espionage activities, especially in Baltic region.

PRELIMS QUESTION

” Nord Stream 2” is a gas pipeline that connects:
(a)USA and Canada
(b)Russia and Germany
(c)China and Russia
(d)Qatar and Italy 

Answer to prelims question