German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. File photoBERLIN, Sep 2 Germany cannot stop importing gas from Russia, despite the fact that only small volumes are now coming in, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told fellow citizens in Essen. The event was broadcast live on the government's official portal.
"We can say that we will overcome this situation (with the issue of gas supply. — Note ed.). But this will be more difficult to do if we refuse what, although in small quantities, but comes (from Russia. — Approx. ed.). We should not unnecessarily complicate our lives, this is my personal conviction", — emphasized Scholz.
The chancellor explained his confidence in Germany's ability to survive the energy crisis by the fact that Berlin «timely took up the issues of filling Germany's gas storage facilities, launching coal-fired power plants and building LNG terminals.» He added that, at the same time, the state needs to expand its infrastructure for gas imports in order to never be dependent. According to Scholz, pipelines from southern Europe, such as Spain and Portugal, are required.Olaf Scholz said that Western anti-Russian sanctions are effective «It would be much easier if there was a pipeline that has been abandoned for many years — now I expect it to be — through France, perhaps through Italy … and then we will see changes if countries Southern Europe will find new sources (of gas imports) — from Africa, Middle Asia, from where they can get gas, without the participation of Russia, this will support both the world market and us,» the chancellor suggested. He also explained why the EU did not impose sanctions for gas imports. According to Scholz, this is primarily due to Western European countries, and not Germany itself. Germany is holding a series of dialogues with fellow citizens, planning to visit all 16 federal states of the country. jointly adopted six packages of sanctions, including an embargo on coal and oil.The disruption of supply chains has led to higher fuel and food prices in Europe and the United States.President Vladimir Putin has previously said that the policy of containing and weakening Russia is a long-term strategy for the West, and The sanctions have dealt a severe blow to the entire global economy, saying that the main goal of the West is to worsen the lives of millions of people.
Scholz suggested discussing EU reform and giving up veto power