NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen claims that Russia “engages actively” with environmental groups that oppose fracking in Europe, in order to prevent the continent from developing a viable alternative to Russian natural gas imports. Keith Johnson finds this plausible:
Russian energy firms and officials, as well as Kremlin-controlled media, have lambasted fracking on environmental grounds for years. Top Gazprom officials and even Russian President Vladimir Putin have attacked the technology, which, if adopted, could ease Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.
But one thing has for years puzzled energy experts: Well-organized and well-funded environmental opposition to fracking in Europe sprang up suddenly in countries such as Bulgaria and Ukraine, which had shown little prior concern for the environment but which are heavily dependent on Russia for energy supplies. Similar movements have also targeted Europe’s plans to build pipelines that would offer an alternative to reliance on Moscow.
John Upton is skeptical:
[W]ho are these allies [Rasmussen cites]? Has Russia sent undercover operatives to sneak into green groups? Or is there some sort of collaboration between the should-be foes? Rasmussen didn’t elaborate.
“That’s my interpretation,” he said. Green groups have denied the bizarre allegations. “The idea we’re puppets of Putin is so preposterous that you have to wonder what they’re smoking over at Nato HQ,” Greenpeace said. And NATO promptly distanced itself from the allegations, describing them as Rasmussen’s personal views.
Geoffrey Lean doubts it makes much difference either way:
Unfortunately, however, fracking doesn’t seem likely to help much. Even by 2030, says the International Energy Agency, shale will only meet 3 per cent of EU gas demand. Energy efficiency – and maybe renewables – offer better potential for cutting gas imports. Perhaps Putin would get more for his money by working to restrict them.
But Steve LeVine can think of another reason why Russia would infiltrate:
As well as its strategic aims, such a Russian intelligence operation might also include an element of pay-back. In 2011, Putin accused the US of funding protests against his rule, and the following year he attacked Western-funded NGOs specifically. Two months ago, Putin accused Western NGOs of funding “nationalist and neo-Nazi groups” in Ukraine. It’s true that Western NGOs have sought to pluralize Russian society and loosen Putin’s tight grip on power. Now, by apparently responding in kind, Putin is sending a message that he intends to remain a potent political and economic force in Europe for some time to come.
The Dish 