Germany claims that it is no longer dependent on Russian energy.
Germany's energy supply is no longer dependent on Russian imports, according to the country's finance minister.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, Germany, according to Christian Lindner, has completely diversified its energy infrastructure.
Following the invasion, Russia cut off gas supplies to Europe, raising concerns about blackouts this winter.
Mr. Lindner, on the other hand, said that Germany had discovered new energy sources.
"Of course, Germany is still reliant on energy imports, but not from Russia, but from global markets," he said.
Previously, Germany bought over half of its gas from Russia.
Mr. Lindner claimed at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, that a new liquefied natural gas facility in Germany had been built in a record time of roughly eight months. He also stated that additional infrastructure projects were in the works.
"This is only one illustration of the massive shift in German policies," he remarked.
"We realized that we needed to boost our competitiveness following the Chancellor [Angela] Merkel era. That age was centered on, well, prior strengths, and now we are establishing future strengths "He stated.
Green trade conflict
Mr. Lindner ended on a positive note, claiming that there was "some evidence" that inflation in Germany peaked last year.
"The world economy and European economies are probably recovering faster than projected," he remarked.
However, the possibility of a trade war between the EU and the US over green subsidies remains.
Last year, the United States approved a significant $370 billion (£299 billion) investment in climate-friendly technologies, including tax breaks for American-made electric vehicles.
However, the law has several "made in America" regulations, which have generated concerns in Europe that enterprises outside the US will be penalized.
In a visit to Washington last month, French president Emmanuel Macron blasted the US rules as "extremely harsh".
Mr. Lindner stated that he does not want the European Union to launch a trade war with the United States over these laws.
"We must avoid any type of competition - who is able to pay more subsidies," he stated. "That can't happen."
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Mr. Lindner's comments foreshadow the challenges that Europe will face as it attempts to develop a response to the US climate law, officially known as the Inflation Reduction Act.
France has proposed rival "buy European" incentives in response, and European Union officials have also vowed "decisive" steps this week.
Mr. Lindner added that while keeping a fair playing field was important, he would like to see the two sides negotiate company exemptions or build a new trade arrangement rather than try to out-subsidize each other.
"There is a threat to the level playing field, which I take seriously, but... we spend and invest considerably more than the US side, so we don't have to be worried," he stated.
"Some in the European context see the Inflation Reduction Act as an opportunity to implement policies they've proposed in the past, and I think it's an opportunity to strengthen our competitiveness at the European level, make further progress on the capital market union, and negotiate a free trade agreement with the US side - but not pay more subsidies," he said.
Unlike the large French automakers, many German enterprises already have a significant presence in the United States, including manufacturing units.
The "made in America" restrictions have sparked opposition even from certain American businesses, many of which rely on parts created in other nations.
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