In reaction to declining Russian supplies, Germany activated the “alarm level” of its emergency gas plan on Thursday. However, it refrained from enabling utilities to pass on rising energy bills to consumers in Europe’s largest economy.
The move is the most recent in a series of escalations in the standoff between Europe and Moscow following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, which exposed the region’s reliance on Russian gas imports and triggered a mad dash for other energy sources.
The action is mostly symbolic, warning businesses and individuals that tough budget cuts are coming. However, it represents a significant turnabout for Germany, which had developed close energy relations with Moscow during the Cold War.
This week, lower gas flows prompted worries that Germany would experience a recession if Russian supplies were completely cut off. A significant study released on Thursday revealed that the economy slowed down in the second quarter.
“We must not fool ourselves: The cut in gas supplies is an economic attack on us by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” Economy Minister Robert Habeck said in a statement.
Featured Image: European views
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