Member of the Bundestag, Ralf Stegner of the SPD, has issued a warning about potential rationing of fossil energy sources. Writing to the “Welt,” he stated that if the wars in Ukraine and Iran are not finally brought to an end, the consequences could be severe, including shortages of essential items. Stegner cautioned that the conversation would soon move away from simply high energy prices and onto the need for rationing, eventually leading to situations where flights might cease altogether.
Given this threat, the SPD politician emphasized that Europe must make a stronger diplomatic contribution, both in the Middle East and in Ukraine. He stressed that while Germany cannot handle this alone, it must take a leading role alongside other European nations, arguing that nobody else will assume this responsibility, and that both Republican and Democratic administrations in the United States expect this leadership from Germany. This sentiment followed a recent meeting he held with representatives from both US Congressional parties.
When questioned about advocating for direct European negotiations with Russia, Stegner maintained that, in his view, a purely military solution to the conflict in Ukraine is improbable. He concluded that a resolution will inevitably have to be reached through negotiations.
