Germany’s Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister has accused the US and other “friendly” gas supplying states of having exorbitant prices, suggesting that they are benefiting from the consequences of the war in Ukraine.
“Some countries, including friends, sometimes reach astronomical prices. Of course, that brings with it problems that we have to talk about,” Economy Minister Robert Habeck said. to the German regional newspaper NOZ in an interview published on Wednesday.
The minister called for greater US solidarity when it comes to helping its energy-pressed allies in Europe.
“The United States contacted us when oil prices skyrocketed and, as a result, the national oil reserves in Europe were depleted. I think that solidarity would also be good for curbing gasoline prices,” he said.
Putin declares the annexation of 4 regions of Ukraine by Russia
Habeck, co-leader of Germany’s Green Party, which is part of the coalition government in Berlin led by centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said the EU should also do more to tackle the region’s gas crisis, with countries struggling to alternative supplies that has pressured prices even more, which was caused by the war in Ukraine and the deterioration of relations with Russia.
The minister called for greater US solidarity when it comes to helping its energy-pressed allies in Europe.
Moscow’s state gas giant Gazprom has slashed supplies to the bloc in recent months, largely due to international sanctions and a desire to punish Europe.
The EU used to import about 45% of its gas supplies from Russia, but is seeking to stop all imports, for supporting kyiv.
Habeck said the EU “should pool its market power and orchestrate smart and synchronized buying behavior by EU states so that individual EU countries don’t outbid each other and drive up world market prices.” .
European market power is “enormous”, it just has to be used, he noted, according to the German news outlet NOZ.
Europe prepares for winter
Europe is facing a harsh winter with gas shortages expected across the region. Countries like Germany have relied heavily on Russian gas supplies for decades with massive energy infrastructure, such as the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, designed to bring gas from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea.
While the $11 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline was never even launched, and Germany refused to certify the pipeline following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Nord Stream 1 has become a pawn in sour relations between Moscow and Russia. Brussels.
“Some countries, including friends, sometimes reach astronomical prices. Of course, that brings with it problems that we have to talk about.”
During the summer, the gas supply through the pipeline was stopped. Moscow cited the need for maintenance and sanctions as a reason for stopping the supply. But then supplies stopped for good in September.
Russia and Europe’s energy ties have been damaged by the conflict over the Nord Stream pipelines since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
