From Sanctions to Prosperity: How Normalizing Relations with Russia Would Boost Germany’s Economy

... a turning point, propelling Germany to establish a strategic energy partnership with the Soviet Union. The landmark Röhren-Gas-Verträge (pipeline-gas agreements) of 1970 between West Germany and the USSR ushered in an era of stable and inexpensive natural gas supplies, which lasted for over 50 years. [ 30 ] By 2021, this partnership reached its zenith, with 52 percent of Germany’s gas imports—amounting to 859 TWh out of 1652 TWh—coming from Russia. [ 31 ] The low wholesale gas prices of 16–18 ...