Germany to continue supporting Ukraine's energy infrastructure recovery

Germany will continue supporting Ukraine, particularly in restoring its destroyed energy infrastructure.

Katherina Reiche, Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, said this ahead of a meeting of the Council of the European Union in Brussels on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We must not lose sight of the fact that war is still ongoing in Europe. Therefore, today's Council meeting in Brussels also sends a signal that our solidarity with Ukraine remains," Reiche said.

According to her, Germany is currently the largest financial donor to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund and will continue contributing to the restoration of the country's infrastructure, including its electricity grids.

"We support and assist Ukraine in rebuilding its destroyed energy infrastructure and continue our military support. Today we are also working on expanding networks. Renewable energy sources, which are needed not only in Germany but throughout Europe, can be used efficiently only with strong grids in place. Therefore, it is important to strengthen, expand, and significantly accelerate the construction of networks beyond European borders. Here the European Commission can act more boldly," the minister said.

At the same time, she stressed that the German government is working to stabilize energy prices in Germany amid rising fuel and energy costs. According to Reiche, the government plans to expand the powers of the Federal Cartel Office to conduct sectoral investigations more quickly in cases of sharp price increases. In addition, authorities plan to limit fuel price increases at gas stations to no more than once per day.

Sher also noted that Germany, together with partners from the International Energy Agency, is ready, if necessary, to release part of its strategic oil reserves onto the market to help reduce prices.