German-Russian project: Sellering sees comeback for Nord Stream 2 possible

Former Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister President Erwin Sellering has voiced his support for the potential repair and reactivation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, emphasizing its importance as a German-Russian project operating in concert with EU partners.

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I am very much in favor of the pipeline, when the time comes, being repaired and put into operation. And clearly as a German-Russian project, in agreement with the partners in the EU.

Sellering stated his strong belief that the pipeline should be fixed and put back into operation when the time is right. He specifically criticized the idea of allowing former U.S. President Donald Trump to gain control over it, suggesting it could lead to economic benefits for American corporations and Trump himself.

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What is completely unacceptable in my view is to now give Trump access so that American corporations and certainly he personally can profit economically.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the pipeline's future, which was completed but never operational due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Sellering also touched upon the controversial Klimastiftung (Climate Foundation), established to shield the pipeline project. He explained his legal duty as board chairman to protect the foundation, even as the political climate shifted after the invasion, leading to an agreement that cooperation with Nord Stream 2 could not continue.

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The question of dissolving the foundation was, however, a test of strength. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we quickly agreed that cooperation with Nord Stream 2 for the completion of the pipeline could not be continued.

Sellering noted that while Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's current Minister President, Manuela Schwesig, might have preferred not to continue the foundation, his primary responsibility was to preserve it for climate protection work in the region. The foundation was established in 2021, and the pipeline was finished by the end of that year under its umbrella, but geopolitical events prevented its use.

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As chairman of the board, however, I had the important legal duty to protect and preserve the foundation and to continue to enable good climate protection work in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.