Category: Germany

German Rejects Calls to Ban Russian Oil, Supports Seeking Alternative Energy Supplies

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected calls to ban Russian oil and gas, saying energy imports from Russia are “essential” for Germany. “At the moment, Europe’s supply of energy for heat generation, mobility, power supply, and industry cannot be secured in any other way. It is therefore of essential importance for the provision of public services…


Germany Rejects Calls to Ban Russian Oil, Supports Seeking Alternative Energy Supplies

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected calls to ban Russian oil and gas, saying energy imports from Russia are “essential” for Germany. “At the moment, Europe’s supply of energy for heat generation, mobility, power supply, and industry cannot be secured in any other way. It is therefore of essential importance for the provision of public services…


Japanese Politicians Dispute Over Whether to Host Nuclear Weapons Amid Ukraine Crisis

Japanese politicians from both ruling and opposition blocs have called for an active debate on its nuclear weapons policy—in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, experts believe Japan will likely revamp its military beyond its self-defense force, potentially changing the world security landscape. In a recent televised program, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe…


Ukraine’s NATO Membership ‘Will Not Take Place’: German Chancellor

Ukraine’s membership is not on The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)’s agenda, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Friday. “I also made it clear in Moscow and in my visit that this option [Ukraine’s membership of NATO] is not on the table and will not take place,” he said during an interview with German public broadcaster…


Germany Opposes Ban on Russian Energy Imports

BERLIN—Germany’s economy minister has spoken out against an embargo on Russian energy imports, saying it could endanger social cohesion in the country. Germany gets about half of its coal and gas from Russia, and a third of its oil. Economy Minister Robert Habeck, who is also Germany’s vice chancellor, said Thursday that his country needs…


Germany Considers Extending Coal Power

The Federal Republic of Germany is considering extending its use of coal power well into the 2030s, as the recent outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine has caused many in the German government to second-guess reliance on Russian natural gas imports. “Energy policy is security policy,” said Robert Habeck, the German vice chancellor and…


Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine a Warning to Canada to Get Serious About Defence

Commentary For the second time in my adult life a major shock seems to have made people serious about defence. It remains to be seen how serious. But like 9/11, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has blown away any number of comforting illusions. So now what do we do? In the short run we seem…


Germany Mulls Extending Nuclear Plants’ Life-Span: Economy Minister

FRANKFURT—Germany is weighing whether to extend the life-span of its remaining nuclear power plants as a way to secure the country’s energy supply in the face of uncertainty over Russian gas supplies, the country’s economy minister said. Asked by German broadcaster ARD whether he could imagine letting nuclear plants run longer than planned under Germany’s exit plan,…


Germany to Send Anti-Tank Weapons, Missiles to Ukraine in Major Policy Reversal

Germany will provide anti-tank weapons and surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Saturday. “The Russian attack marks a turning point. It is our duty to do our best to help Ukraine defend against the invading army of Putin. That’s why we’re supplying 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger missiles to our friends…


Germany’s Failed Gamble on Green Energy Is a Lesson for America

Commentary In September 2010, the German government released its “Energy Concept for an Environmentally Sound, Reliable and Affordable Energy Supply” (pdf). According to the document, “Germany is to become one of the most energy-efficient and greenest economies in the world while enjoying competitive energy prices and a high level of prosperity.” Twelve years later, it’s…