Just in time for potentially escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Poland took a major step towards energy security this week when Germany completed work on an upgraded pumping station. Located in eastern Germany, the station funnels Siberian-mined gas to Europe through a pipeline governed by international treaties.
The Wall Street Journal reports that in case of a breakdown of gas supplies flowing through Ukraine, Poland will now be able to import up to 5.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Germany, which would cover 60 percent of its annual purchases from Gazprom. Poland has been an outspoken critic of Russia’s intervention in Crimea and has urged the European Union to take a tougher stance on the issue.
