France, Germany sign joint declaration on energy solidarity

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Friday signed a joint declaration on energy solidarity.

The signing ceremony on the political declaration titled "Franco-German Solidarity" took place in Berlin following a bilateral meeting between the leaders.

The joint declaration, which pointed out a global energy crisis and "an unprecedented rise in prices" due to Russia's war on Ukraine, said France and Germany reaffirm their close ties in the field of energy and their full solidarity.

"The two countries are thus committed to implementing concrete measures of mutual support and solidarity to guarantee the security of energy supply for their citizens and businesses," said the statement.

Regarding energy supplies to decrease dependency on Russian fossil fuels, the two countries made new pledges.

"During the first quarter of 2023/ at the next Franco-German Ministers’ Council, the two countries will also sign an intergovernmental agreement to set up a solidarity mechanism for natural gas supply in accordance with the European SoS regulation."

France and Germany also reiterated the important role of hydrogen to achieve climate neutrality and recalled their commitment to achieving "climate neutrality" by 2050 and 2045, respectively.

"In order to strengthen their cooperation and to implement the above provisions, the two countries are committed to intensify their exchange within the high-level working group on energy," it added.