Gazprom's proposed Nord Stream II pipeline — along with TurkStream, possible capitulation to Energy Union Package regulations and Gazprom's ongoing debate with Europe's antitrust regulators — is part of the Russian natural gas firm's new European strategy. Previously, Gazprom pursued a divide-and-conquer strategy that involved reaching bilateral agreements with individual countries. Gazprom's new strategy appears to focus on flexibility in supply routes, markets and possibly even pricing; on dealing with the European energy market as a whole instead of piecemeal; and on leaving natural gas on Europe's doorstep to be transported to market through internal European pipelines. Nord Stream II's Strategic Ambitions It could be argued that Nord Stream II is another case of Germany and Russia increasing energy cooperation despite the political tension between them, but the situation is more nuanced.