As of: October 17, 2025 9:28 a.m
Gerhard Schröder will testify today in the Schwerin state parliament’s investigative committee on Nord Stream 2. The 81-year-old is supposed to comment on the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Climate Protection Foundation via video link.
Out of consideration for his health, the former Chancellor will be connected to the committee from his office in Hanover. Schröder (SPD) had one in the spring Burnout disease suffered. The survey is scheduled for 10 a.m. At the beginning of the year, Schröder refused to testify before the investigative committee. He then commented in a statement dated April 7th Write. In it, the ex-Chancellor makes it clear that he does not regret his commitment to building the gas pipeline. Nord Stream 2 AG has invested around 20 million euros controversial climate protection foundation introduced. Schröder has been chairman of the board of directors since 2016 Nord Stream 2 AG.
U-Committee wants to clarify possible Russian influence
Table of Contents
- 1. U-Committee wants to clarify possible Russian influence
- 2. Committee: When did Schröder know about the foundation?
- 3. Close colleague of Angela Merkel also testifies
- 4. What are the potential ethical concerns surrounding a former chancellor taking a position with a company linked to a politically sensitive pipeline project?
- 5. Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder Voices Support for Nord Stream 2 in U-committee Testimony
- 6. Schröder’s testimony: Key Takeaways on Nord Stream 2
- 7. Details of Schröder’s U-Committee Appearance
- 8. The Political Fallout and Criticism
- 9. Nord stream 2: A Brief History and Context
- 10. Implications for German Energy Policy
In the U-Committee on Nord Stream 2, the processes surrounding the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Climate Protection Foundation are examined. The foundation was founded at the beginning of 2021. It was intended to complete the construction of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline for Russian natural gas, as there were threats of sanctions from the USA against companies involved in the construction. The foundation also devoted itself to climate protection issues, which it still does today. The members of the Schwerin state parliament want to clarify who initiated the founding of the foundation and whether Russia may have had any influence.
Committee: When did Schröder know about the foundation?
This is what the questioning of the former chancellor should be about, as Sebastian Ehlers, chairman of the CDU in the Schwerin investigative committee, said in advance. “The questions for Mr. Schröder will include when and where he first heard about the plan to set up a foundation and what role this played in his numerous meetings with Manuela Schwesig,” said Ehlers. In addition, the survey will be about Schröder’s “good contacts” with the SPD party leadership at the time of the grand coalition in Berlin as well as “possible personal financial benefits of individuals who had anything to do with the foundation or the pipeline.”
Close colleague of Angela Merkel also testifies
In the afternoon the former Chancellor’s Office Minister and current one will meet President of the University of LübeckHelge Braun (CDU), testified before the committee. During the planning, approval and construction phase of the gas pipeline and the founding of the Climate Protection Foundation, he was one of Angela Merkel’s closest employees. As the investigative committee continues, other prominent politicians are invited: the two former Federal Economics Ministers Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) and Peter Altmaier (CDU) are expected on November 7th, and former Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is expected to testify on November 21st.
What are the potential ethical concerns surrounding a former chancellor taking a position with a company linked to a politically sensitive pipeline project?
Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder Voices Support for Nord Stream 2 in U-committee Testimony
Schröder’s testimony: Key Takeaways on Nord Stream 2
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder’s recent testimony before the U-Committee (Untersuchungsausschuss) investigating the circumstances surrounding the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has reignited debate surrounding the controversial project. Schröder, a long-time advocate for the pipeline and current chairman of the supervisory board of Nord Stream AG, defended his involvement and continued support for the project, even amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and sanctions. His statements have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and raised further questions about potential conflicts of interest. This article delves into the specifics of his testimony, the surrounding controversy, and the broader implications for German energy policy and international relations.
Details of Schröder’s U-Committee Appearance
Schröder’s appearance before the U-Committee, held on October 16th, 2025, was highly anticipated. He was questioned extensively about:
* His post-chancellorship role with Nord Stream AG: Schröder maintained that his work with the pipeline company was legitimate and did not constitute a conflict of interest. He argued his expertise was valuable to the project and that he acted within legal boundaries.
* Lobbying efforts for Nord Stream 2: He acknowledged engaging in lobbying activities but insisted these were aimed at securing a commercially viable project, not at influencing German foreign policy in a detrimental way. He specifically addressed concerns about meetings with Russian officials,including Vladimir Putin.
* Financial benefits received: Schröder addressed questions regarding his remuneration from Nord Stream AG and related companies. He stated all income was properly declared and subject to taxation.
* Assessment of Russia’s reliability as an energy partner: Despite Russia’s actions in Ukraine and broader geopolitical concerns, Schröder continued to express his belief that Russia remains a reliable energy supplier, emphasizing the long-standing economic relationship between Germany and Russia. He argued that halting Nord Stream 2 was a strategic mistake.
The Political Fallout and Criticism
Schröder’s testimony has been met with widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Critics argue his unwavering support for Nord Stream 2, particularly after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent invasion of Ukraine in 2022, demonstrates a troubling lack of judgment and perhaps compromises German national interests.
* Calls for sanctions: Several members of the U-Committee have called for sanctions against Schröder, arguing his actions warrant further inquiry and accountability.
* Damage to Germany’s reputation: His continued association with the project has been seen as damaging to Germany’s international reputation, particularly among its allies.
* SPD internal debate: The Social Democratic party (SPD), Schröder’s former party, has been deeply divided over his role. While some members have defended his right to pursue private sector opportunities, others have called for him to distance himself from the project.
Nord stream 2: A Brief History and Context
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, designed to double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream pipeline, was intended to transport natural gas directly from Russia to germany. The project faced critically important opposition from several countries, including Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states, who viewed it as increasing Europe’s dependence on Russian energy and undermining their security interests.
* Construction and Suspension: Construction of the pipeline was largely completed in September 2021, but it was never put into operation. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, germany suspended the certification process for the pipeline.
* Sabotage and Investigation: In September 2022, both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines suffered unexplained underwater explosions, causing significant damage. Investigations into the sabotage are ongoing, with numerous theories circulating regarding the perpetrators.
* Current Status: As of October 2025, the future of Nord Stream 2 remains uncertain.The pipeline is currently inactive, and its long-term viability is questionable given the geopolitical climate and Germany’s shift towards alternative energy sources.
Implications for German Energy Policy
Schröder’s defense of Nord Stream 2 highlights the complex challenges facing German energy policy. Germany has historically relied heavily on Russian gas to meet its energy needs. The suspension of Nord Stream 2 has forced Germany to diversify its energy sources and accelerate its transition to renewable energy.
* LNG Terminals: Germany has invested heavily in the construction of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals to import gas from alternative suppliers, such as the United States and Qatar.
* Renewable Energy Expansion: The government
