Not sure where the 70% came from but have to assume it pertains to
the percentage of imported energy coming from Russia (obviously Russia would not be included in calculations of their own production or any of their renewable energy, of which Germany has a fair amount).
Germany imports over 63% of it's total energy, and well over 90% in each of oil, nat gas, and coal. While I'm not sure how much of those imports come from Russia, Russia is the largest exporter of energy to the EU, and Germany apparently imports more from them than most other EU countries (which will go up given the pipeline project Trump was referring to in that exchange). So 70% of their oil, gas and coal imports is not out of the question. I assume your 20%, which seems more of a guess, is closer to the percentage of total energy usage (including renewable and self produced) they import from Russia. While also possibly close to accurate, it's a somewhat meaningless point, unless your only desire is to push a "Trump lies" narrative.
Regardless of the exact numbers, or Trump's less-than-gentle touch with our allies, his point is still valid. You enjoy the benefits of US defense spending, while being one of the bigger NATO laggards in "paying your fair share" for defense, and yet expect protection from the very "enemy" you're making stronger by purchasing so much energy from them. Not to mention, it will be difficult for you to stand up to that "enemy" going forward, when you make your self so beholden to them for your energy.
I don't think it's realistic to think Germany (or much of the EU) could practically be independent of Russia for it's energy (especially with their pledge to get rid of Nuclear energy). We, and more importantly they, should do everything possible to try and reduce that dependence, so they could actually stand up to Russia when needed.
|
(
In response to this post by THECZAR)
Posted: 07/11/2018 at 12:03PM