The Baltic Sea has become a political issue. After all, another natural gas pipeline is currently being laid through the body of water from Russia directly to Germany in the shape of Nord Stream 2. The U.S. and several East European countries are trying to prevent this.

The Germans are certain, however: Construction of the pipeline is a good decision. Even after sanction threats from Donald Trump against construction of the pipeline, 73 percent of all German citizens think it’s the right decision, as a survey carried out by the broadcasters RTL and N-TV showed. Only 16 percent of Germans think the second natural gas pipeline should be dispensed with. The question then, however, is whether energy needs in the coming years can be met in Germany alone through renewable energies. Only 29 percent believe that. Most German citizens (67 percent) conclude that it will be necessary to continue using conventional types of energy to ensure a secure energy supply. In this case, natural gas is the most cost-effective and cleanest solution. Only those who support the Green party deviate strongly from the general trend on this aspect, according to the survey: Half of the Green party voters believe that energy needs can be met in the future by renewable energies.

Only a few Germans (20 percent) share the view of the American President Donald Trump, that increased imports of natural gas from Russia pose a threat to Europe’s security and that Germany could be dependent on and controlled by Russia. 67 percent consider this to be unfounded according to the survey. German citizens are extremely skeptical about the latest threats of penalties and sanctions by the U.S. Ambassador Grenell. The citizens (91 percent) almost unanimously share the view that this is not the task of an Ambassador.

As a motive for Trump’s attempt to thwart Nord Stream, they suspect that it has more to do with the U.S. President wanting to sell more American liquefied natural gas to Europe. As many as 90 percent of all German citizens share that view across all age and voter groups.

About Wintershall

Wintershall Holding GmbH, based in Kassel, Germany, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BASF in Ludwigshafen. The company has been active in the extraction of natural resources for 120 years, and in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas for over 85 years. Wintershall focuses on selected core regions where the company has built up a high level of regional and technological expertise. These are Europe, Russia, North Africa, South America, and increasingly the Middle East region. The company wants to expand its business further with exploration and production, selected partnerships, innovation and technological competence. Wintershall employs about 2.000 staff worldwide from 50 nations and is now Germany’s largest, internationally active crude oil and natural gas producer.

At the end of September 2018, BASF and LetterOne signed a binding agreement to merge their respective oil and gas companies, Wintershall and DEA (Deutsche Erdöl AG). Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2019. Wintershall DEA would become the leading independent oil and gas producer in Europe. BASF and LetterOne are planning an initial public offering (IPO) for Wintershall DEA in the medium term.