For the first time in their bilateral relationship Germany and Denmark have signed late last month an agreement on gas solidarity to ensure that in times of supply crises they will come to each other's aid and help their neighbor out. Thomas Bareiß, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jørgensen represented their respective countries.

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."

Minister Jørgensen said: “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.”

One clause of the agreement stands out in particular:  Germany and Denmark will implement 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.