Scholz โAdmits Delay in LNG Terminal Construction Was anโ Error Amid โคNord Stream inquiry
Berlin – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged November โข21,โฃ 2025, that the prolonged postponement โof liquefied natural gas (LNG) โterminal construction represented a strategic misstep, as investigations continue into the 2022 sabotage of the Nordโ Stream 2 pipeline. The admission comes as German authorities grapple with โenergy security concerns and heightened scrutiny surrounding the Nord Stream attacks, with โคaโ recent arrest in Germany linked to the case.
The delayed buildout of LNG infrastructureโ left โGermany heavily reliant on Russian gas imports for years, a vulnerabilityโค underscored by โthe Nord โคStream โpipeline explosions and subsequent disruptions to energy supplies. Scholz’s statement โsignals a shift in acknowledging past policy decisions and a renewed โfocus on diversifying energy sources.โข The Investigative Committee of Nord Stream 2โข has been examiningโค theโข circumstances surrounding the pipeline damage,โข and the arrest of a Ukrainian national, Serhiy K., on suspicion of involvement is intensifying pressure for answers.
The Nord Streamโฃ 2 pipeline, completed but never operational,โข was โdesigned to double the capacity of Russian gas deliveries directly to germany. โFollowing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany suspendedโฃ the project’s certification. โขIn September 2022, both Nordโ Stream 1 and 2 suffered underwater explosions, rendering them unusable.
German authorities have been investigating โthe incident,โข and recent developments include the arrestโค of Serhiy K. in Germany,โ accused of โpotentially being involved in the sabotage.According to reports, investigators allege he may have been โคpart of aโค small team โtasked with preparing the attack. The investigation is ongoing, โand the full extent of the alleged sabotageโค operation remains unclear.
Former German Chancellorโฃ Gerhardโ Schrรถder has publicly commented on the investigation,โ stating, “This event is slowly becoming ridiculous,” reflecting growing frustration with the pace and โclarity ofโค the inquiry.The case has significant implications for Germany’s relationship with Ukraine,โข as well as broader geopolitical dynamicsโ in the region.