For years, Nord Stream was the backbone of Europe’s energy supply. Nord Stream 1, in operation since 2011, was the largest pipeline carrying Russian gas to Europe, providing a staggering two-thirds of Germany’s gas imports in 2021. That year, Russia supplied 45% of
Europe’s gas, making the continent deeply reliant on Moscow’s energy.
Then came 2022, and everything changed. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe scrambled for alternatives, vowing to slash Russian gas imports by two-thirds in a year and eliminate them entirely by 2030. It was a bold move—one that Europe still struggles with today, as energy prices fluctuate and the crisis lingers.
And then came February 22, 2022—the day that sealed Nord Stream’s fate. The pipelines were shut down, and the long-anticipated Nord Stream 2 was literally blown to pieces. Who did it? No one seems eager to say, but let’s not kid ourselves—Biden’s fingerprints were all over it.
For years, Washington pulled the strings, keeping Germany and the rest of Europe dependent while conveniently offering “solutions” that only served U.S. interests. But now, the political winds are shifting, and suddenly, Nord Stream is back in the conversation—but under U.S. control.
Some German politicians are no longer ruling out reviving Nord Stream. CDU parliamentarian Thomas Bareiss openly welcomed the idea, even mocking the U.S. for its opportunism, calling it proof of “how enterprising our American friends are.” In a LinkedIn post, he suggested that once the war ends and sanctions are lifted, gas might flow again—this time with the U.S. in charge.
He’s not alone. Jan Heinisch, another CDU heavyweight, backed him up, arguing that if “just and secure peace” is reached, Germany should have the right to reopen talks about buying Russian gas.
To understand the significance of this shift, let’s rewind. Nord Stream 1 and 2 were Europe’s energy lifelines. While Nord Stream 1 had been operational since 2011, Nord Stream 2—completed in 2021—was never even used. In September 2022, Russia shut down Nord Stream 1, citing EU sanctions. Then, just weeks later, three out of four Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged—a mysterious attack that still has no official culprit.
Now, the discussion of reviving Nord Stream is heating up. But not everyone is on board.
Germany’s Green-controlled Economy Ministry dismissed the idea outright, declaring that “energy independence from Russian gas is a matter of defense and strategic importance.”
But here’s the twist—Germany is about to get a new government. If CDU leader Friedrich Merz takes over as Chancellor, would he quietly reopen the door to Russian gas?
The far-right AfD is all for it. Co-leader Tino Chrupalla openly supported Bareiss’ comments, saying it’s time for Germany to bring back affordable Russian gas.
But energy experts aren’t convinced. Claudia Kemfert from the German Institute for Economic Research warns that reviving Nord Stream under U.S. oversight would create a double dependency—on both Russia and America.
So, how did this debate even start again? It all began when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that U.S.-Russia discussions about Ukraine included talks on restoring Nord Stream. Then, Handelsblatt dropped a bombshell report: a U.S. investor applied to buy Nord Stream.
The revelation shook Germany’s political establishment. If the U.S. takes over the pipeline, Europe could end up paying for Russian gas—but on Washington’s terms.
Neither Washington nor Moscow has officially commented, but Putin himself hinted at the deal on Thursday. “If the U.S. and Russia reach an agreement on energy cooperation, a gas pipeline could be provided for Europe,” he said. “Europe would benefit, as it would receive cheap Russian gas.”
And here’s the kicker—Germany wants this. Despite all the posturing, Berlin knows it needs stable energy supplies. Of course, Scholz and the EU elites won’t like it—but the reality is, Nord Stream might just make a comeback.
