energy-intensive companies
Countries call for “bridge electricity price”
Power poles are seen in silhouette at sunrise. photo
© Silas Stein/dpa
Energy costs have increased as a result of the Russian war of aggression. The federal states are therefore concerned about the competitiveness of German industry – and have now made a request.
In view of the increased energy costs, the 16 federal states are calling for a time-limited “Bridge electricity price” to relieve energy-intensive companies. According to information from state circles, the Prime Ministers of the federal states unanimously accepted a “Brussels Declaration” during their consultations in Brussels on Thursday.
The increase in energy costs as a result of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine represents an acute obstacle to the recovery of the economy and the return of industrial production to pre-crisis levels, according to the resolution available to the dpa. “It must therefore be possible for the Member States for a transitional period to establish a competitive bridging electricity price, especially for energy-intensive companies that are in international competition, until affordable renewable energies are available to a sufficient extent.”
With the unanimous demand, the federal states are increasing the pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on the issue of a state-subsidized industrial electricity price. He had previously avoided a clear position on this and instead initially called for a debate on financing.