After the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, many European countries followed in the footsteps of the United States and imposed severe sanctions on Russia. But now Germany faces a very serious question about whether to interrupt energy deals with Russia. In other words, which side is the United States and Russia, germany on.
Germany is very dependent on Russia's natural gas, and once the energy cooperation between the two countries is stopped, it will be difficult for germany to find suppliers who can replace Russia in a short period of time. Now that the world is in a state of energy shortage, the German side has chosen to safeguard its own interests after careful consideration, and has also communicated with China on relevant issues.
Germany has chosen to continue its gas trading with Russia
Germany's decision was fully discussed and justified. Nearly half of the gas used in Germany is supplied by Russia, and the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project is also being built between the two countries. The project is now on hold, which is also one of Germany's sanctions measures.
Global energy shortages have been in short supply since last year. Before the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the price of natural gas in Europe increased explosively. Natural gas prices in Europe are now about 10 times higher than in the same period last year, but the more serious problem than the price increase is that money can't buy energy.
The world's energy producers are very limited, and the reason why Russia has such a high share of the European gas market is because of its geographical proximity, which can provide cheaper natural gas to European countries. It is difficult for other countries to have lower costs than gas supplied by Russia. In order to ensure its own energy supply, Germany chose to continue to maintain energy trade with Russia.
The German side communicates with China
After making the above statement, Germany communicated with the Chinese side by telephone. In addition, in response to China-EU relations, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also pointed out, "We believe that China and Europe are the two major forces for safeguarding world peace, the two major markets for common development, and the two major civilizations that promote human progress." China-EU relations are not directed, dependent on, or subject to third parties. ”
Cooperation between China and all countries is based on equality and mutual benefit, and Germany should have a clearer judgment on the current situation. Sanctions will damage Russia's interests, but European countries may not be the one who benefits, and Europe's energy is highly dependent on imports.
If they really follow the U.S. sanctions on Russia's energy trade, they need to be prepared for the large amount of money to be consumed in a short period of time. The energy-producing countries represented by the United States may also take advantage of the fire, which is very unfavorable to Germany's economic development.
To sum up, when making decisions, the German side and other European countries should put the interests of the country and the people first, rather than using ideology under the influence of the United States. The countries of Europe should take decisions that are most conducive to national development for the benefit of their people. Only by actively distancing oneself from the United States can the sovereign independence of a country be preserved.
Some sources: International Tourism Island Business Daily, Beijing Daily