So the EU’s competition authority has given the go-ahead for a €5bn (£4.3bn) German program to support energy- and trade-intensive companies across all industrial sectors. The EU Commission was criticized for approving the move, noting that as European countries scramble to secure gas supplies, this program gives German industries a huge advantage over the rest of the bloc. Georg Zachmann, an energy expert at the Brussels think tank Bruegel, tweeted: “DG COMP backs German plan to give gas-intensive companies up to €5 billion to keep consuming natural gas. “This allows German companies to outbid other Europeans in a limited amount of natural gas and sends money through higher prices to Russia!” Europeans online were furious, with one person tweeting: “Germany first again. But where is the 5 billion for consumers?’ Germany is heavily dependent on Moscow or natural gas exports, with experts arguing that Berlin effectively fuels Putin’s war machine by providing him with millions in oil and gas revenue. Germany even bowed to Putin’s demands a few months ago, opening a ruble account with Russia’s Gazprombank to pay for gas supplies. This support program after energy-intensive industries such as steel and chemicals were crippled by high gas prices, causing German production to grind to a halt. READ MORE: Red Wall toppled over controversial energy policy On Thursday, EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager said: “Energy and trade-intensive companies have been hit particularly hard by the current geopolitical crisis and the resulting rise in energy prices. “This €5 billion program will enable Germany to mitigate the impact of rising input costs on these companies and support their continued operations in this difficult context. Ms Vestager said the EU “continues to stand by Ukraine and its people”, adding that it was working with member states to ensure a “level playing field in the Single Market”. Critics have also criticized the plan for encouraging German industries to use more energy at a time when supplies of natural gas flowing into the EU are dwindling. DON’T MISS: Putin is now using the same tactics as HITLER [INSIGHT] Team Tempest sees the UK join forces with Japan [REVEAL] Deadly ‘nosebleed’ disease leaves scientists scrambling [REPORT]
