Switzerland signs gas solidarity agreement with Germany, Italy

By Timo Kirez

GENEVA (AA) – Switzerland signed a gas solidarity agreement with Germany and Italy on Tuesday, the Swiss Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) announced.

According to a DETEC press release, the three countries agreed to help each other out with gas deliveries in the event of an emergency.

The Swiss government authorized the DETEC head, Albert Rosti, to sign the gas solidarity agreement on March 15.

During his working visit to Berlin, Rosti signed the agreement with German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck, who is also the German federal minister for economic affairs and climate protection, and Italian Environment and Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin.

According to the press release, the deal means that Switzerland can request help from both countries to supply gas to Swiss customers if an emergency is declared.

According to the agreement, Switzerland can also be asked for solidarity in return in the event of an emergency.

Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine in February last year, energy supply has become a key issue in Europe.

Due to the lack of gas supplies from Russia and the halt to imports of Russian oil, the previous energy supply structure in Europe could no longer be maintained.

As a result, energy prices have risen since mid-2021, which has also led to concerns about the security of energy supply.