From Energy to Everything: Germany's Former Minister Sounds Alarm on Global Weaponization
Robert Habeck, the Green politician who steered Germany through the tumultuous energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has issued a stark warning about the evolving nature of global conflicts. According to Habeck, the world has transitioned from the weaponization of energy to a broader, more pervasive strategy of "weaponizing everything" in the wake of Donald Trump's return to the White House.
A Shift in Global Conflict Tactics
In an exclusive interview, Habeck reflected on the lessons learned from the energy crisis, where Germany's reliance on Russian gas through the Nord Stream pipelines left the nation vulnerable. He noted that successive governments operated under the naive belief that gas would never become a political weapon, a miscalculation that allowed Russia to exploit strategic reserves before the invasion.
The re-election of Donald Trump has ushered in a second security shock with profound implications, Habeck emphasized. This new era is characterized by the use of tariffs, technology, and other economic tools as weapons, creating a more complex and far-reaching threat landscape. "From weaponising energy – bad enough – to weaponising everything, this is the lesson I hope everyone has learned," stated Habeck, who served as vice-chancellor in Germany's last coalition government.
Navigating the Energy Crisis: Sleepless Nights and Tough Decisions
Recalling the intense pressure of the energy crisis, Habeck admitted to experiencing "sleepless nights" over the possibility of having to order industrial shutdowns if gas supplies failed. His rapid response included building LNG terminals and securing alternative gas sources to avert disaster. While current gas prices in Germany remain high, Habeck stressed that the initial crisis posed a genuine threat of total gas shortages.
He defended his controversial decisions during that period, including the limited extension of Germany's nuclear power plant operations. Habeck explained that a longer refueling period could have undermined the renewable energy market, and he accused some political opponents of using the issue as a "Trojan horse" to challenge nuclear phaseout laws. Despite personal reservations rooted in memories of the Chornobyl disaster, he described himself as "kind of agnostic" about nuclear risks today.
Current Challenges and Policy Backlash
Europe now faces a renewed energy crisis following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for 20% of global oil and LNG. This disruption has reignited debates about energy independence and the pace of transitioning to clean, local sources.
Habeck acknowledged shortcomings in his approach, particularly underestimating public frustration with inflation and perceived government overreach. His heat pump policy, dubbed "Habeck's heating hammer" by critics, faced fierce resistance and is being diluted by the current conservative-led coalition. He also noted the entrenched interests of gas companies, which often prioritize profits over planetary concerns despite rhetorical support for climate action.
Looking Ahead: Germany's Energy Transition
Despite setbacks, Habeck pointed to progress in Germany's energy transition. Renewables accounted for 60% of electricity generation last year, with coal and gas filling the remainder. He highlighted growing acceptance of electric vehicles and alternative heating systems, albeit a decade behind other nations like Denmark, where he now works as an analyst.
The Greens' recent state election victory in Baden-Württemberg, a hub of Germany's automotive industry, signals potential recovery after their federal ousting in early 2025. Habeck concluded that while Germany's actions may be delayed, the country is "basically on the right track now" due to hard-fought decisions during his tenure.
