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Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens)
Photo: Julien Warnand/EPA
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) has warned of forced gas cutbacks in the event of a shortage in the coming winter.
Over the winter, there is a "medium-term" scenario "that reductions will actually have to be prescribed by law," said Habeck before a meeting with the energy ministers of the EU countries on Monday in Luxembourg.
In his estimation, such a reduction would lead to “a severe economic crisis” in Europe and Germany.
The minister did not say who exactly could be affected by the reductions.
This is "completely" dependent on the respective situation and on how cold the winter will be, where there are "regional supply bottlenecks" and on the question: "Which industries are dependent on which supply chains"?
At the same time, Habeck emphasized that "solidarity" and "very quick action" were necessary to avoid such a scenario.
Aid network with neighboring EU countries
In order to prevent this from happening, the rapid expansion of renewable energies and the increase in energy efficiency could be "significant components," added Habeck.
At the meeting in Luxembourg, the EU energy ministers will discuss these two topics as part of the “Fit for 55” climate package planned by the EU.
EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson, who attended the meeting, said that 12 of the 27 member states are currently receiving less gas from Russian energy company Gazprom.
Among them is Germany.
The federal government has meanwhile announced that it will form an aid alliance with neighboring countries such as the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland and France in the event of a crisis.
"We wouldn't make any progress at all if we couldn't fall back on France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway in this situation, who support us," said Habeck.
Algeria is also increasing the amount of gas delivered via Italy.
"We are committed and dependent on solidarity here," said the Green politician.
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