EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT EXPECTED TO BACK SHUTDOWN OF NORD STREAM 2

The European Parliament is expected to adopt a resolution calling for the suspension of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project in response to the arrest of Alexei Navalny.

The matter was reported by the news agency, Reuters, which has seen the draft resolution, Paivi Karola reported for the Finnish Yle news service.

Known as the loudest critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Navalny was arrested last Sunday at the airport when he returned to Russia after recovering from poisoning in Germany.

About 90% of the completed Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is intended to bring Russian gas to Europe.

Germany has supported the project despite criticism elsewhere in the EU, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday that her views on the gas pipeline project have not changed.

The European Parliament is due to vote on the non-binding resolution late on Thursday.

Though non-binding, the resolution carries political weight.

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