“We don’t block in the EU”

Paris Robert Habeck has rejected criticism from the EU of Germany’s actions in the fight against the energy crisis. During his visit to Paris, the Vice Chancellor told the Handelsblatt and three other European newspapers with regard to the discussions about a gas price cap: “We are not blocking.”

The EU states finally agreed on a flexible, dynamic and clever cap for times of excessive prices. “But I’m skeptical when it comes to a fixed price cap in the market because it would be either too high or too low.”

Habeck warned that the US government’s subsidies for its industry in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) could become a problem for the green transition of the European economy. The EU must insist on a level playing field and, if in doubt, give a “strong answer” with its own subsidies. In the interview, Habeck also suggested changing German foreign trade promotion with a view to China. He also talks about what was the most difficult decision for him as a minister.