Agency Report –
Controversial plans to start gas extraction off the German North Sea island of Borkum have gained approval from the government in Berlin.
The agreement struck with the Netherlands, Germany’s neighbour to the west, was necessary under international law because the gas field lies across national borders.
The legislative process still has a way to run however, as the move requires a so-called “contract law” which must be approved by the lower and upper houses of parliament.
Environmental organizations and parts of the state government of Lower Saxony are against the project.
In addition, several court decisions about the extraction plans are still pending.
The decision by the conservative-led government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz changes the policy taken by the previous centre-left government.
The previous economy minister, Green politician Robert Habeck, had stated that he wanted to wait for the outcome of any court judgements before signing the agreement.
An alliance of environmental protection organizations and the authorities on the island of Borkum are taking legal action against the gas extraction.
They fear environmental damage to the neighbouring UNESCO world heritage site of the Wadden Sea.
The current German economy minister, conservative Katherina Reiche, said Wednesday’s decision “not only strengthens the security of supply of our neighbours, but also the European gas market – and therefore us as well.”
Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said that the gas extraction would not affected marine protected areas.
