Energy crisis: Habeck announces new aid for companies

Created: 09/23/2022, 05:07

By: Patricia Huber

High gas prices are causing difficulties for numerous gas importers.

But other companies are also suffering.

Now Robert Habeck has announced new aids.

Berlin – In the crisis over scarce and expensive gas, the government is still struggling to find solutions at the various trouble spots.

After the announced nationalization of Uniper, the state could now intervene in another company with Securing Energy for Europe (Sefe).

At the same time, Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) announced new aid – and a change in the controversial gas levy for the coming week.

Energy crisis: More companies should receive help

Habeck announced on Thursday in the Bundestag because of the increased energy costs extended help for companies.

The economic substance in Germany must be preserved and protected, said the Green politician.

For this purpose, a federal energy cost program should be expanded.

In the future, aid should therefore no longer only go to companies that are involved in international trade, but also to companies that are making losses.

That applies to the industry.

Aid is also to be expanded for small and medium-sized enterprises.

In addition, down payments should be made quickly, said Habeck.

Energy crisis: According to Habeck, company help is also available for medium-sized companies

The federal government had launched a program in which companies can receive a subsidy for their increased natural gas and electricity costs.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs had already stated that extensions for medium-sized companies were planned.

Referring to a survey of medium-sized industrial companies, the Federation of German Industries reported that the industry was facing fundamental problems due to the extreme rise in energy prices.

The Federal Ministry of Finance is now also working on solutions to these problems.

On the instructions of department head Christian Lindner (FDP), a "gas price brake working group" was set up there last week, as the German Press Agency learned on Thursday from people involved in the process.

Lindner was extremely concerned that the effects of an "avalanche" rolling towards the German economy would be underestimated.

From Lindner's point of view, the speed and scope of the measures taken to date to protect medium-sized businesses, trade and industry are still insufficient.

Above all, the "ruinous increase in gas prices" must be fought until the market has normalized.