Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder will join the board of directors of Nord Stream AG, a Russian company involved in the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The appointment comes despite ongoing controversy surrounding Schröder’s close ties to Russia and President Vladimir Putin, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine. Critics have long scrutinized Schröder’s business dealings with Russian energy firms, viewing them as a conflict of interest. He has previously defended his involvement, citing the importance of energy security. The move is expected to further fuel debate regarding his post-chancellorship activities and Germany’s relationship with Russia. Nord Stream AG is based in Zug, Switzerland, and is majority-owned by Gazprom. This appointment signals a continuation of Schröder's engagements with Russian entities.