The planned 200 billion protective shield for German companies and consumers is causing criticism in Europe. But the chancellor sees himself right: other EU countries also took care of their citizens. His Dutch counterpart agrees with Scholz.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended the planned dampening of energy prices in Germany against criticism from the EU. "Like many other countries, we will do the same with gas," said the SPD politician in Berlin when his Dutch colleague Mark Rutte visited. "Some have long been in the process of doing exactly what we have planned for this year and the next two years with great support and measures." Perhaps not everyone noticed that, said the SPD politician. In addition, the gas importers would also be supported with the money.
Italy, among others, has criticized the German program with up to 200 billion euros for households and industry because it could distort competition in Europe. Scholz received support from Rutte on this issue. Germany has the right to take national measures, said the Dutch Prime Minister in Berlin.
Scholz expressed reservations about considering taking on debt together in the fight against the high gas prices, similar to the Corona crisis. The funds from the Corona fund of 750 billion euros have not yet flowed out, said Scholz. The decisive factor is that gas prices are now being depressed, the level of which is not justified. One is therefore in exchange with export countries such as Norway, the USA or Arab countries. The willingness of these countries or other suppliers to cooperate is quite high. "I think that's something you can bet on."
Scholz said of the EU's Corona Fund: "We have a huge program totaling 750 billion euros, most of which has not yet been used, but can be particularly effective right now." These funds could help now.
In order to cushion the consequences of the Corona crisis on the European economy and society, the EU had decided on joint borrowing. Most recently, EU Economic Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni advocated using a similar tactic in the energy crisis. Finance Minister Christian Lindner spoke out against this on the sidelines of a meeting with the EU finance and economics ministers in Luxembourg. The EU cannot transfer the instruments of the pandemic "one to one" to the current situation, said the FDP politician.
Hungary in particular stood out with criticism of Germany. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Monday: "In the energy crisis, Germany can help its own companies with hundreds of billions of euros." Poorer countries could not. "This is the beginning of cannibalism in the EU," Orban said. Brussels must act, "because that will destroy European unity."
