Inflation, energy crisis, war in Ukraine: Europe is currently facing many challenges. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is already preparing his country for difficult times: “The situation in the autumn and winter will be difficult,” the SPD chancellor warned. He called on society to stick together in times of crisis.
Scholz made an appeal to the population: “If we stick together, we’ll do it.”
He referred to the two aid packages with a volume of 30 billion euros that had already been launched and confirmed that more aid would be forthcoming.
German gas storage tanks 75% full
Germany is prepared for the energy and price crisis. Two regulations of the Ministry of Economic Affairs provide for short- and medium-term measures to reduce gas and electricity consumption. The filling level of the German gas storage facilities has now reached more than 75 percent. The German federal government is consistently pursuing its policy of gaining independence from Russia’s energy supply. The construction of liquefied gas terminals continues and the filling of gas storage facilities is secured with billions of aid.
Offices in public buildings may only be heated to 19 degrees
When it comes to energy saving, the public sector wants to set an example. Offices in public buildings may only be heated to 19 degrees, with the exception of clinics, healthcare facilities and other social facilities. In addition, government monuments and billboards may no longer be lit at night. Corridors, large halls or technical areas in public buildings should no longer be heated if possible. In addition, boilers and instantaneous water heaters may no longer be used for heating water in washbasins.
In addition, the clause in some leases that prescribes a certain minimum temperature is suspended. Non-commercial private pools are no longer allowed to be heated with gas and electricity. From the autumn, gas suppliers and landlords must provide advance information about their expected gas consumption, the expected costs and possible savings.
Habeck: “We face a national effort”
Like Scholz, the German Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck (Greens) also invoked cohesion in society. “We are in for a nationwide effort.” And added: “But it is also very important to save significantly more gas: in public administration, in companies, in as many private households as possible. There must be strong interaction between the state, business and society, between the federal government, states, local authorities, social partners, trade unions, trade and associations and civil society.
EU gas emergency plan comes into effect
The EU gas emergency plan came into effect on Tuesday. From the beginning of August to March next year, Member States will have to save 15 percent on gas – compared to the average of the last five years of this period. The German savings target is 20 percent.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
