Council of States supports gas agreement with Germany and Italy
Published: Tuesday, Dec 3rd 2024, 11:50
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A solidarity agreement with Germany and Italy is intended to secure the supply of gas to Switzerland in the event of shortages. On Tuesday, the Council of States approved the agreement presented by the Federal Council and two associated commitment credits totaling CHF 1.3 billion.
The agreement is intended to enable protected customers, such as private households, hospitals or emergency services, to be supplied with gas from Germany or Italy in the event of a gas shortage. Conversely, Switzerland would have to help out neighboring countries in an emergency.
The financial burden on the federal government would only be temporary for both loans, said the rapporteur, Council of States member Martin Schmid (FDP/GR). In the case of gas deliveries from Germany or Italy to Switzerland, the costs would ultimately be borne by the domestic recipients.
International solidarity as a last resort
In the event of a serious shortage, the Federal Council would first have to look for a solution domestically before turning to Germany or Italy. Domestically, it could issue bans and restrictions on use, among other things.
If these measures were not sufficient, Italy or Germany could be asked for solidarity. The industry of the requested state could supply gas to Switzerland on a voluntary basis. A state guarantee of CHF 300 million would be required to compensate these industries.
If these deliveries were not sufficient, "sovereign measures" would have to be taken. The Federal Council is requesting a second loan of one billion Swiss francs to compensate for services provided as a result of these measures.
National Council to clarify "detailed proposals"
The agreement will result in changes to the Energy Act and the Federal Act on Pipeline Installations for the Transport of Liquid or Gaseous Fuels. The "detailed proposals" referred by the Council of States must be examined in depth in the National Council, said Schmid. In order not to delay the entry into force of the agreement, the Council of States had already discussed the draft in the winter session.
In the final vote, the Council of States unanimously backed the federal resolutions submitted. The National Council will deal with the bill as a second chamber. The agreement is subject to an optional referendum.
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