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The European Commissioner for Energy, Ms Kadri Simson, was also present. The new German-Danish agreement once again highlights the two countries’ special relationship and sets a strong example: it is the first of its kind in Europe to be signed.
Regarding the signing, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier says:
Security of supply in Europe matters. In this agreement, we have defined how Denmark and Germany can help each other out quickly in the unlikely event of an extreme shortage of gas. This sends an important signal, not least during this pandemic, because solidarity is what defines us in the EU and what makes us strong. This is why I very much welcome the agreement that was signed today and hope that many other Member States will soon follow the example of Denmark and Germany. I am pleased that the EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson joined us at the event to welcome the German-Danish agreement as a blueprint for future solidarity agreements.
Jørgensen:
Denmark is very happy to close this deal with Germany on gas distribution and supply. We are the first two European countries to settle this kind of agreement for the benefit of our citizens and hopefully this can inspire other Member States to do the same. This agreement shows a great example of European solidarity which will secure the gas supply and heating for the citizens in both countries. The agreement also underlines the close bonds and good cooperation between Germany and Denmark in the energy sector.
In adopting the agreement, Germany and Denmark have also implemented the revised European Regulation concerning measures to safeguard the security of gas supply. This Regulation seeks to reduce individual Member States’ dependence on non- European gas suppliers, and to make them more resilient against shortages. In the event of an extreme gas shortage, solidarity deliveries are to be made as a measure of last resort to ensure that households, district heating systems, and essential social service institutions in the Member State affected are supplied with gas. Under the Regulation, all Member States whose gas networks are directly connected or connected via a third country are required to sign bilateral solidarity agreements with one another.