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Germany: Energy head shuns EU influence

By  |  January 21, 2014

Germany’s new economy minister Sigmar Gabriel blasted the European Commission Tuesday, claiming the regulator is using competition law to “Europeanize” Germany’s energy policy, say reports.

The remarks were made one day before Gabriel was set to reveal reformations to Germany’s renewable energy policy, and as the European Commission probes the allowance of energy-intensive companies in Germany from paying taxes that would fund renewable energy initiatives. That tax is added to all energy users as a surcharge on their energy bills.

The probe could reportedly result in requiring those companies given such tax breaks from having to repay the discounts offered.

In his statement, Gabriel, who took office last month, vowed to defend Germany’s energy interests against the Commission’s influence.

Full Content: Reuters

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