Germany Looks to Bolster Energy Security Using Defense Exemption

Germany is discussing bolstering energy infrastructure security under an exemption granted for defense spending, following attacks that caused days-long blackouts in some parts of the country.

The exemption would facilitate the creation of a so-called resilience fund of as much as €2 billion ($2.4 billion), according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the talks are confidential. The Economy Ministry earmarked the fund to “war-proof” Germany’s energy systems, but tight finances meant the measure failed to make it into the nation’s final budget bill in December.