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Germany’s prosperity is fueled by Russia, and the Siemen’s story suggests the penny may be dropping in Berlin — Analysis

By Evgeny Tugolukov – investor, founder of the Medscan group of medical companies.

Gazprom reported technical issues with its Nord Stream 1 pipeline in mid-June. The Russian energy giant said that gas compressor units, made by Germany’s Siemens were being repaired in Canada and couldn’t be returned to Russia due to Western sanctions.

As a result, the pipeline’s daily flow was reduced by 40% from June 16. The situation prompted EU countries to prepare emergency plans to strengthen their energy security, because the global industry simply doesn’t produce enough liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replace Russian gas supplies.

However, the story of the Siemens’ turbine appears to have a happy ending: Canada will return it to Germany, and Berlin will deliver the equipment to Gazprom.

Germany’s success has been secured by advanced technology and industry since its 1990 reunification. The hard work of its citizens and their creative spirit have also contributed to its economic prosperity. But, Russia’s energy and raw material from Russia were a major factor in the German industrial success. This made their goods more attractive on the international market.

Germany hopes Russian gas supplies will resume

The informal alliance enabled Berlin to transform itself into the economic engine for the European Union. It also helped Russia get through the 1991 crisis that followed collapse of USSR. In the days of Gerhard Schröder’s chancellorship, Russian-German relations were a model of mutually beneficial cooperation.

The fates of both countries are a classic example of a historical paradox. When things seem to be contrary to what they ought to be, this is a philosopher’s view. Although we’re not currently in conflict, Berlin clearly has been engaging in proxy fighting with Russia and its Western allies. One that has been building since shortly after Schröder left office, and his successor, Angela Merkel, went along with a number of measures which set the course for a confrontation.

It “Iron Chancellor” Otto von Bismarck, the founder of the united German state, once prophetically said: “A war between Germany and Russia is the greatest stupidity. That’s why it’s bound to happen.”A strategic alliance of the great continental powers might be an objective logic guarantee for peace and prosperity within Europe.

Sadly, now it is difficult to discuss the perspectives of a partnership, but the Germans, as practical people, always think – and indeed talk – about what will come the day after some tumultuous event. The process of severing ties built up over the years is not easy.

There is hope, however, that the West’s elites will not be ruled by the instincts of self-preservation only, but also the rational approach which is so typical of Germans. The Siemens gas turbine success story is a significant event in this regard. The company makes more than just turbines.

Decision reached on sanctioned Russian turbine – media

It is vital that knowledge, expertise, technology, equipment and pharmaceuticals are exchanged. Therefore, trying to isolate Russia not only leads to suffering and morality but it also slows down research development in many other areas. Such as in medicine, for example, where – as the COVID-19 pandemic has recently shown – every day counts.

Collaboration in areas of humanitarian concern, such as healthcare, can help to bring our relationship back from the sand. Both economies will be developed and trust restored if there’s a revival of communication in cases like these, where confrontation is not allowed.

Remember that Baron Karl von Münchausen was a Lower Saxony native who served as an Officer for Russian empresses. He even participated in one Russo–Turkish War.

Russia depends on Germany, Germany must depend upon Russia. They must work together to create a secure, prosperous, and safe Europe. Nobody will be benefited by the alternative.

These opinions, statements and thoughts are the sole opinion of the author. They do not necessarily reflect those made by RT.

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