2000 - A criminal investigation is launched about the illegal fundraising. Kohl refuses to discuss details of the funds and is harshly criticized for his role in the scandal.

February 8, 2001 - The criminal investigation into illegal fundraising is dropped, and Kohl agrees to pay a fine of 300,000 German marks, $142,000.

November 2004 and 2005 - Publishes memoirs, "Memories: 1930-1982" and "Memories: 1982-1990".

December 2004 - Kohl is in Sri Lanka on vacation when the tsunami hits and is rescued by the Sri Lankan Air Force.

April 3, 2006 - Receives the Class One order of the Terra Mariana Cross from the government of Estonia for his support of Estonia's bid for independence.

February 28, 2008 - Is hospitalized after falling and fracturing a hip at his house in Ludwigshafen.

October 31, 2009 - Meets with Mikhail Gorbachev and George H.W. Bush in Berlin to mark the upcoming 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.