While Germany and the EU insist that dependence on Russian pipeline gas is a thing of the past, behind-the-scenes diplomacy around Nord Stream is ongoing. U.S. President Donald Trump is discussing with Russian President Vladimir Putin a potential restart of the pipelines, but under American control, reports the newspaper Berliner Zeitung, citing informed sources.
Sources describe backchannel contacts exploring an unexpected option: Russian gas could once again flow to Europe, but not under Moscow’s control. One possible scenario envisions U.S. involvement in managing the project.
It is notable that the United States had long opposed Nord Stream, which critics said entrenched Europe’s dependence on Russian gas. Now, with Donald Trump back in power, the policy appears to have shifted.
The pipeline issue is reportedly being raised in closed-door discussions between Trump and Putin. One interlocutor claims Nord Stream is “an absolute part of the secret negotiations.” There has been no official confirmation of these claims, but the mere prospect is prompting serious questions across Europe.
American business interests are also emerging. Among potential buyers for Nord Stream 2 is Texas banker Gentry Beach, who is linked to Trump’s circle. The discussion concerns a possible purchase of the infrastructure if it is legally and politically unblocked.
Experts stress that even if a U.S. entity becomes the operator, the gas would still come from Russia—meaning the strategic dependence would remain. Russia has previously used energy as a tool of pressure, a fact well remembered in Europe.
Opinion in Germany is divided. Some politicians categorically oppose any return to the project. Others point to high energy prices and mounting pressure on industry.
In September 2022, explosions in the Baltic Sea damaged three of the four strings of Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. Gas deliveries to Germany were halted entirely. Investigations are ongoing, with no final judicial conclusions yet.
At the start of February, the EU’s RePowerEU provisions took effect, prohibiting new gas contracts with Russia, including both long-term agreements and spot market purchases. In addition, in October last year, Nord Stream was included in the EU’s 19th sanctions package, making any potential restart extremely complex from a legal standpoint.
Against this backdrop, discussions around the pipeline carry added weight. The issue is not only about gas prices, but also about Europe’s politics and security. And if talks are indeed underway, Europe risks finding itself in a position where key decisions are made without its direct involvement.
