Angela Merkel on Nord Stream 2

Angela Merkel consistently defended the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline project throughout its construction, viewing it primarily through the lens of German economic necessity and energy supply security. She maintained that, from the perspective of the time, acquiring cheaper pipeline gas from Russia was a rational move needed to facilitate Germany's transition away from nuclear and coal power generation. Even while acknowledging that the project was not purely economic and had political factors, especially concerning Ukraine's transit role, she stood by the initial decision to back its completion.

Her support was maintained despite strong opposition from Eastern European nations, the United States, and internal pressure following events like the poisoning of the Russian opposition leader. While construction concluded in 2021, the pipeline never entered service as the subsequent German government halted certification just before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since leaving office, she has reiterated that decisions were made based on the circumstances at the time, suggesting that the geopolitical reality drastically shifted post-invasion.