ASSESSMENTS

Russia Seeks Influence over Germany's Energy Supply Chain

Jul 5, 2011 | 16:31 GMT

YURI KADOBNOV/AFP/Getty Images

Summary

Russian energy giant Gazprom on June 30 announced its interest in buying power-generating plants in Germany. The potential deal would ensure lower electricity prices for German consumers while giving Moscow valuable influence over Germany's energy sector and access to advanced power-generation technology. However, the proposal would also violate EU energy unbundling directives, and Gazprom also expressed interest in German-operated power plants in Central Europe, something those countries likely will vehemently protest. The proposal thus is likely to draw strong opposition from both Brussels and other European states.

While a Russian move on Germany’s natural gas-fired power plants stands to benefit both sides, it is likely to face extreme opposition from the European Union and Central Europe....

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