In the debate about rising gas prices, the Prime Minister of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), described Russia as a "reliable and contractually loyal partner".
"It is now even clearer than before that we need Nord Stream 2 - just as we need any additional import infrastructure," he told the German Press Agency in Dresden on Thursday:
Dresden - “The big German natural gas importers have confirmed to me that the import contracts of Russian suppliers will also be fulfilled. The gas deliveries are made in accordance with the contract. What is ordered is delivered. ”Russia makes a major contribution to security of supply in Germany and Europe.
“The crisis shows us very clearly: security of supply is not a sure-fire success.
It is no longer just about the European market.
We are competing in a global market with the hunger for energy in Asia, and developments there have an impact on prices in Europe, ”said Kretschmer.
For Saxony, Germany and Europe, the partnership with Russia is part of the solution to the energy price problem and not the cause.
“We need Russia - especially against the background of global competition for security of supply with energy sources.
Nord Stream 2 and long-term supply contracts can help us to prevent future energy crises like today. "
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For the Greens, the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline does not necessarily mean that it will go into operation.
In her opinion, European energy law could still stop the project.
Bütikofer: "Screams of triumph" about Nord Stream 2 premature
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The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is ready.
But so far there is no certification by the German authorities.
It is unclear when it can start.
The Green MEP warns of premature joy.
Bütikofer: Russian “shouts of triumph” prematurely on pipeline
To see an increasing dependency on Russia in this is "not conclusive", emphasized Kretschmer: "Russia will not decide whether the pipeline will be filled, but the market in Europe." Only if Russian natural gas as a product is cheaper than liquefied natural gas (LNG) , it will also find its customers.
In the past few months, the wholesale prices for gas climbed to record highs internationally.
The big gas suppliers buy in the long term, so that price jumps do not have a direct impact on the stock exchange.
In view of the gas crisis in Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday campaigned for the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline to go into operation quickly - and again denied allegations that Russia was using its market power to drive up prices.
dpa
