On Tuesday, the Swiss Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy, and Communications (DETEC) revealed that Switzerland had entered into a gas solidarity agreement with Germany and Italy.
In an effort to bolster emergency response capabilities, the three nations have pledged mutual assistance in gas deliveries during crises.
Under the agreement, DETEC head Albert Rosti, authorised by the Swiss government, inked the pact during his visit to Berlin on March 15.
The signing ceremony was attended by German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck, who also serves as the German federal minister for economic affairs and climate protection, and Italian Environment and Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin.
The agreement grants Switzerland the ability to seek assistance from both Germany and Italy to ensure gas supply to Swiss customers in emergencies.
Conversely, Switzerland may also be called upon to provide solidarity in return during similar circumstances.
The pressing need for such agreements has been underscored by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has disrupted energy supplies across Europe since February of the previous year.
With Russia’s suspension of gas supplies and oil imports, Europe’s energy landscape has been significantly altered, leading to escalating energy prices and concerns regarding supply security.