Annalena Baerbock is working on the energy issue. And incidentally delivers a surprise in Copenhagen in terms of Russia sanctions. Also for Olaf Scholz?
Copenhagen/Munich – Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) recently visited the heads of government in Northern Europe – now his Foreign Minister is following him: Annalena Baerbock (Greens) was in Denmark on Friday. The main topics once again: Energy supply in the gas crisis. And the security policy. Baerbock delivered a surprise apart from these conversations.
Baerbock in Denmark: Scholz Minister signs “Action Plan” also for energy
In fact, there was also news in the cooperation with Denmark: Baerbock signed an action plan with her Danish counterpart Jeppe Kofod. For example, it should record stronger cooperation in hydropower and wind power and in CO2 storage. Baerbock called the action plan a “very ambitious program” and explained: “This partnership for the future is nothing more than an investment in future generations.”
Denmark, with its 70 percent share of renewable energies in net electricity generation, is a role model for Germany. “If we join forces, much more is possible.” As an example, Baerbock cited the expansion of offshore wind power in the North and Baltic Seas.
Green electricity and hydrogen should become “central anchors for a more climate-neutral and sovereign Europe,” said Baerbock with a view to the cooperation. Germany and Denmark also want to work more closely together in security and defense policy, digitization, the health sector and climate protection. At a summit meeting on the island of Bornholm next Tuesday, representatives of the countries bordering the Baltic Sea also want to discuss closer energy cooperation.
Ukraine war: Baerbock surprises Denmark with a turnaround on the visa issue
The appointment also brought an unexpected turn with a view to the sanctions in the Ukraine war: In the debate about restricting the entry of Russian tourists into the EU, Baerbock suddenly signaled a willingness to compromise. The Chancellery and her ministry agree “that we will find a solution together in Europe that brings everyone’s legitimate concerns and concerns together,” said Baerbock at the press conference with Kofod.
The EU countries Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia bordering Russia, as well as the Czech Republic, have already restricted the entry of Russian tourists. Finland wants to follow in September. Other countries such as Poland are also in favor of restricting the issuing of visas. In Finland, among other places, more unorthodox measures in dealing with Russian tourists have recently been experienced.
Scholz misunderstood? Baerbock explains the surprise of the sanctions – “it was never actually said”
Scholz had previously expressed skepticism. “This is Putin’s war, and that’s why I have a hard time with this thought,” he said two weeks ago at his summer press conference to international journalists about a general entry ban. On Thursday, in a discussion with citizens in Magdeburg, he reiterated this attitude: “It’s Putin’s war. It’s not the Russians. You should never make this generalization.” But he added: “You can always look at the details and I can also understand the neighboring countries.”
Baerbock now pointed out that Scholz had never given entry restrictions a general rejection. “These absolutes were never actually expressed, not even by the German Chancellor,” she said. “Especially when positions are exchanged via interviews, they are very shortened.”
Scholz may have been misunderstood so far – or the chancellor is threatened with another area of conflict with his coalition partners. (dpa/fn)
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