Gas solidarity with Germany?
So far, only two neighboring countries would be on the spot
Created: 09/09/2022 15:09
By: Patricia Huber
In the event of a gas emergency, apparently only two neighboring German countries want to help so far.
Berlin - Especially in these times, European cohesion is of great importance.
The EU countries have already set an example with the sanctions packages against Russia.
But turning away from Russian natural gas could still become a problem for some countries – including Germany.
Because an emergency could have serious consequences for both the economy and consumers.
Gas crisis: only Denmark and Austria are on hand in an emergency
Therefore, Germany has concluded a so-called “solidarity agreement” with Denmark and Austria.
This is intended to regulate the mutual obligation to supply natural gas for protected customers such as private households or social institutions.
But what about the numerous other states?
A written report by the Economics Ministry for the Bundestag Committee on Climate Protection and Energy shows that the other neighboring countries are still holding back.
The paper, which is available to the
world
, says: "In contrast, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Poland are evading the constructive negotiations and conclusion of bilateral solidarity agreements with us."
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is concerned about this lack of cohesion.
"Especially against the background of the current situation (gas supply situation) and an increased susceptibility to gas crises, this is problematic, since a significant component of the EU gas crisis resilience in the form of the mechanisms of the bilateral agreements would not take effect," says the report.
Gas crisis: Solidarity agreement fails due to finances
Negotiations with the Czech Republic and Italy are also sluggish.
But right now such an agreement would be of great importance.
After all, Russia has now completely stopped supplying gas through the Nord Stream 1 Baltic Sea pipeline.
It is currently still unclear when and if gas will be delivered again.
But why are the negotiations failing in the first place?
As the
world
reports, the problem lies in the German Basic Law.
Because: “Should gas in Germany have to be expropriated in order to make it available to the neighboring countries, Germany would have to pay the expropriated companies compensation for the gas and lost production, among other things;
In particular, the states mentioned reject this regulation based on reciprocity.” However, a waiver of corresponding compensation is not compatible with the Basic Law.
An agreement would therefore only be possible if Germany waives compensation for the gas supplied, or if the neighboring countries were willing to pay compensation for it.
(ph)
