German Minister Slams Trump for Nord Stream 2 Opposition

[Marina Schwarz + 1,576]

Economy Minister Peter Altmeier just gave a very simple lesson in defending national interest to at least half of the European Union:

“They are looking for markets, which we can understand, and they can land it here easily,” he said. “But it is much more expensive than pipeline gas, so blocking Nord Stream 2 on its own won’t guarantee exports. The U.S. are our friends and partners, and we want to defend our common values. But if it’s America first, and they put their economic interest before others, then they have to expect Europe to define their own interests and fight for them.”

I think the sanction threat was over the top. It's  perfectly normal for every single (responsible) government to look out for its own interests but threatening sanctions left and right when other countries' interests are not aligned with yours is kinda rude.