“Gas is needed as a source of energy, at least for the transition to renewable energy sources, in order to have grounds for abandoning nuclear and coal energy,” Zeit quoted Schwesig as saying.
She also stressed that the German authorities need to focus on dialogue and economic cooperation with Russia.
Earlier, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the situation with Nord Stream 2 harms gas consumers in Europe.
In November, the German regulator suspended the certification of Nord Stream 2 AG as an independent gas pipeline operator.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said that the certification of Nord Stream 2 could be delayed until the summer of 2022.