Abstract
This article analyses Denmark's involvement with the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. Impressing the Baltic as a sea of strategic significance and a potential international flashpoint, the controversial project thrust Denmark into a position of decision-making importance beyond its size and material power. Geopolitical and environmental considerations, and normative impetus derived from a liberal democratic political culture, influenced Danish attitudes towards the project. The impact of these concerns substantially delayed the granting of a permit for pipeline construction in the Danish marine space, frustrating governments and business in Russia and Germany. Ultimately, approval was granted because Denmark is a rule of law state. Yet the delay is crucial. More broadly, the article illustrates how, in the energy policy domain, illiberal regimes attempt to exploit liberal-democratic legal systems through nominally commercial entities, and considers the responses by other actors in this case.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 111991 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-13 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Energy Policy |
Volume | 148 |
Issue number | Part B |
Early online date | 10 Nov 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2021 |
Keywords
- Denmark
- Nord Stream 2
- Russia
- Germany
- European Union
- United States
- legal aspects
- Nord stream 2
- Energy politics
- Legal aspects