Revealed: The Secret Merkel-Gazprom Deal That Sank Germany's Energy Security
Gazprom Agreement Subtly Signaled by Merkel
The infamous Merkel-Gazprom gas storage deal that unfolded during her reign as Chancellor has taken center stage, as troubling documents have been made public under legal duress. These internal Chancellery papers shed new light on how the deal unfolded, putting Merkel in the spotlight for her controversial approach.
The Gas Storage Scandal: A Bold Bet on Gazprom
The gas storage issue began when Merkel was informed in writing of an asset swap involving Gazprom. This clandestine arrangement would see the Russian state-owned firm gaining a stake in Germany's gas trade, with Wintershall, a subsidiary of BASF, scoring stakes in West Siberian gas fields in return[3][4]. Despite internal warnings and escalating tensions with Russia following the annexation of Crimea, Merkel pushed the deal forward. The Chancellery documents made public by "The Süddeutsche Zeitung" reveal how actively Merkel backed the project, which came to symbolize misguided German Russia policy[3].
Potential Perils Ignored: The Risks of Gazprom's Grip
The Chancellery was clear on the potential consequences. Gazprom would gain direct control over crucial gas storage facilities in Germany, including filling and functionality. Engaging Gazprom as a direct upstream supplier was poised to put municipal utilities, regional gas suppliers, companies, and power plants at risk[4]. However, the SPD's Economics Minister Sigmar Gabriel allegedly reassured BASF, stating that energy policy concerns were unfounded. The Chancellery reportedly saw no legal grounds to prevent the deal, even though they acknowledged the risks[4].
The Dance of Diplomacy: Dealing with Eastern Europe's Demands
Raising alarm among Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic states was a distinct possibility, as the deal lacked compliance with Russia sanctions. Nonetheless, as the documents suggest, Merkel was prepared to communicate the justification behind the deal, emphasizing its business nature, to appease her European partners[4].
The Great Betrayal: Germany's Dependence on Russian Gas
Germany's escalating dependence on Russian gas in Western Europe was a key concern. As the amount of Russian gas in Western Europe increased, Merkel and her officials turned a blind eye to the risks[1][2]. In their eyes, Nord Stream 2 was the solution that would salvage Gazprom's struggling gas business[1][2]. Furthermore, officials downplayed any adverse effects the deal would have on Ukraine's gas revenues, assuring that reverse flow would ensure Ukraine shared in the benefits[1][2].
Alas, the opposite occurred. As 2022 approached, the Ukraine crisis intensified, culminating in Russia reducing and ultimately stopping gas supplies via Nord Stream 1. Consequently, Germany found itself in the midst of an energy crisis. The event laid bare the risks of Germany's energy policy under Merkel, underscoring the need for a shift in strategy[1][2].
Merkel's Legacy: A Mixed Bag of Energy Missteps
Following the crisis, Germany began rethinking its energy strategy, embracing the need to reduce dependence on Russian gas and pursuing alternative energy sources. However, the Merkel-Gazprom deal and the Nord Stream 2 controversy persist as a reminder of the challenges faced in balancing economic interests with geopolitical realities and energy security concerns[1][3].
Sources:
[1] ntv.de
[2] mau
[3] The Süddeutsche Zeitung
[4] Enrichment Data (Gazprom, Angela Merkel, Crimea, Attack on Ukraine)
- The Merkel-Gazprom deal, involving a major shift in employment policy within the gas industry, raised concerns about Germany's energy security and potential dependence on Russian gas.
- The secret gas storage deal between Merkel and Gazprom, a move seen as a part of the broader employment policy, has led to heated discussions in the realm of politics and general-news, with critics questioning its implications for financing and the economy.
- As the energy crisis unfolded, the controversy surrounding Merkel's employment policy, which included engaging Gazprom in crucial gas storage facilities, came under renewed scrutiny, highlighting the need for a new community policy approach to ensure energy security.
