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Olaf Scholz (SPD), Emmanuel Macron in Berlin at a press conference in May 2022
Photo: John Macdougall / AFP
In view of the energy crisis in Europe, Germany and France have agreed to increase mutual energy supplies.
France will deliver gas to the neighboring country and Germany will deliver more electricity in return, should the situation in winter require it, said French President Emmanuel Macron after a telephone conversation with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).
The two politicians exchanged views on the energy situation in Europe.
Macron also advocated "joint gas purchases" in Europe in order to reduce costs.
In addition, the French President signaled France's support for a price cap for Russian pipeline gas - Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had advocated this at the end of last week.
It is necessary to take action against speculation about energy prices "at EU level," said Macron.
call to save
The head of state also called on his compatriots to help save energy - for example by turning the air conditioning a little less cool and turning the heating on lower than usual.
"The solution is in our hands," said Macron.
For the coming weeks and months, he called for a drastic 10 percent reduction in energy use to avoid the risk of rationing and cuts.
Otherwise, if voluntary efforts were not enough, "forced energy savings would have to be considered," Macron said.
Energy rationing plans were being prepared just in case.
In view of Europe's high energy dependency on Russia, great efforts are also being made in Germany to reduce dependencies and save energy.
Energy ministers from EU countries will meet on September 9 to discuss how to reduce the burden of rising energy prices on businesses and households.
rai/AFP
