The reason for the darkening of the landmarks is Germany’s preparation for a significant increase in the price of energy and a possible energy shortage. Russia has reduced gas supplies and Europe is threatened by an energy crisis.
Eelis Bjurström,
Kati Biström
30.7.•Updated 10:41
The city of Berlin in Germany reduced the lighting of 200 buildings and landmarks on Friday.
Among other things, the well-known Siegessäule (Victory Column), the old National Gallery and the Berlin Cathedral were darkened. Instead, for example, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag are still kept illuminated for security reasons.
The reason for the darkening of the landmarks is Germany’s preparation for a significant increase in the price of energy and a possible energy shortage.
– Saving energy is very important in Europe and Germany, because Russia is at war in Ukraine and threatens to reduce energy supplies. Public institutions must set an example, says a city official Mark Kamrad In an interview with Reuters.
The sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union have made Russia a more reluctant trading partner. Russia has reduced gas deliveries in the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and justifies it with maintenance work. Germany sees it as an excuse.
Russian natural gas covers up to 60 percent of German energy consumption.
Most recently, this Saturday, Russia said it would cut off gas supplies to Latvia. According to the Latvian authorities, it has no significant impact.