Lars-Hendrik Röller, who served as an economic adviser to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, argued that Germany’s decision to procure gas from Russia helped entrench a dependency on Moscow. This view was reported by the Financial Times. [citation: Financial Times]
Röller suggested that had Berlin chosen a different path, the trajectory of the energy relationship might have unfolded in a markedly different way. His assessment implies that Germany faced an outcome it could have anticipated only if broader strategic steps had been taken earlier. [citation: Financial Times]
He noted that the Russian Federation has shown itself to be a dependable supplier in the eyes of long-standing energy customers, a claim that has influenced Germany’s energy planning and geopolitical calculations. [citation: Financial Times]
Earlier, a representative from the German Ministry of Economics stated that authorities do not possess a complete picture of how individual companies supply gas to the country. The government does not itself sign supply agreements, a detail that underscores the private nature of many energy contracts. [citation: Financial Times]
Responding to questions about whether Russian gas continues to flow into Germany, the ministry’s representative clarified that gas supply agreements are private arrangements signed by companies rather than the federal government. [citation: Financial Times]
The spokesperson also indicated that the ministry favors reducing imports of Russian gas in the form of liquefied natural gas, aligning with broader energy diversification goals. [citation: Financial Times]
Earlier commentary noted a specific context in which oil prices had fallen to about 50 dollars per barrel, a factor that has historically affected energy markets and policy decisions. [citation: Financial Times]