The Saxon state chancellor, Michael Kretschmar, indicated in a Focus interview that Germany should consider beginning repairs on Nord Stream in the near term. He suggested that the energy policy of nations should keep optional routes available, arguing for openness in energy infrastructure decisions.
Kretschmar pointed out that Nord Stream represents a substantial investment, quoted at around 8 billion euros, and he highlighted its potential use for transporting natural gas as well as for importing hydrogen fuel when needed. His remarks frame the project not merely as a gas line but as part of a broader energy transition strategy that could adapt to evolving energy markets.
The Prime Minister of Saxony emphasized the importance of preserving a clear, achievable option for continuous energy supply. He stressed that decisions about the region’s energy backbone should not be made as if the path forward is already fully settled.
He remarked, in essence, that it would be presumptive to declare pipelines obsolete. Maintaining an open supply channel is presented as a forward-looking measure, intended to safeguard future generations who will rely on reliable energy access and resilient infrastructure.
Kretschmar also argued that the Baltic states’ concerns about perceived threats from the gas pipeline should not be the sole determinant of its fate. He urged Berlin to weigh national interests and security considerations alongside promises to keep energy flows steady to Warsaw, acknowledging the geopolitical sensitivities that accompany cross-border energy projects.
Former Russian president Vladimir Putin has suggested that Nord Stream could have a future if Western partners renew a sense of common national interest. This sentiment, cited in ongoing discussions, underscores the political complexity surrounding energy corridors that cross European borders and involve multiple sovereigns and regulators. [Cited from Focus interview]