German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rules out a course change on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany in the Baltic Sea, citing a German government spokesman Tagesschau reports.

"Yes, he rules it out," the government spokesman said when asked if the decision could be different in the fall because of the gas shortage.

The project has no license to operate since Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Criticized because of his proximity to the Kremlin, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who is now head of the board of directors of Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, said in an interview with Stern after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Nord Stream 2 must be launched.

The ruling coalition in Germany afterwards called Schroeder "Putin's mouthpiece".