Switzerland to obtain gas from Italy or Germany in an emergency
Published: Wednesday, May 15th 2024, 11:31
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The Federal Council wants to supply protected customers with gas from Germany or Italy in the event of a severe gas shortage. On Wednesday, the national government submitted the approval decision on Switzerland's gas solidarity agreement with Germany and Italy for consultation.
The agreement, which was signed in March, and two associated commitment credits totaling CHF 1.3 billion still have to be approved by Parliament, as the Federal Council announced on Wednesday. To ensure that the solidarity agreement can be applied as quickly as possible, the government would like to submit the deal to Parliament in the fall.
The agreement is intended to provide an additional instrument to ensure the supply of protected Swiss customers, the statement continued. This includes private households, hospitals and emergency services, for example.
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.
Switzerland would also have to help out in an emergency
If these measures were not sufficient, a country 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.
In the event of a shortage in Italy or Germany, Switzerland could also be asked for solidarity. The consultation on the approval decision and the commitment credits will last until June 17. According to the communiqué, the agreement is subject to an optional referendum.
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