Germany maintains firm opposition to restarting the Nord Stream pipelines, citing its shift away from Russian energy dependence after the 2022 explosions that damaged three of four strings. EU sanctions adopted in July 2025 prohibit any transactions, maintenance, or operation of the lines, while separate rules phase out Russian pipeline gas imports by September 2027. German officials, including Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, stated in late September 2026 that Berlin has no plans for reactivation and would not grant required approvals. Recent reports of U.S.-Russia discussions on potential American investment have not altered these positions, as the White House described any deal as unlikely in the medium term amid ongoing sanctions and European resistance. These structural and political barriers underpin the strong trader consensus against operations resuming before 2027.