German Government's Fossil Fuel Policy Criticized as Leading to Energy Crisis

The German government's continued reliance on fossil fuels despite better alternatives is creating Europe's most severe energy crisis since 1945, according to analysis published in Freitag. This policy approach has been described as "disaster by design" by critics who argue it makes Europe more dependent on conflict and instability. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has already exploited Europe's liquefied natural gas (LNG) dependence for political advantage. The current crisis follows two devastating wars that have exacerbated energy vulnerabilities. Critics note that policymakers are attempting to solve the crisis using the same approaches that created it, rather than pursuing the ecological and socially just transformation once envisioned. The phrase "by disaster or by design" originated from earlier debates about environmental, social, and economic challenges when more optimistic discussions about transformation were possible. A rapid exit from oil and gas would have been part of the designed approach to create a secure, sustainable future. This transition has not occurred, leaving Germany facing increased vulnerability to geopolitical manipulation through energy dependence.