NATO Plans Fuel Pipeline Expansion Toward Eastern Europe

NATO is planning to extend its fuel pipeline network eastward, connecting Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic, to ensure a rapid supply of aviation fuel in the event of a potential conflict with Russia, according to a report by Germany’s Der Spiegel.

The alliance's current pipeline infrastructure, originally built during the Cold War, ends in western Germany, leaving eastern NATO members vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

An internal German military memo cited by Der Spiegel highlighted significant challenges in maintaining a steady fuel supply for forces that may be deployed to NATO’s eastern border in an emergency scenario.

The ambitious project is expected to cost €21 billion ($22 billion), with most of the pipeline infrastructure slated for completion by 2035.