Germany's energy crisis costs federal budget 50.4 billion euros

The German federal budget was burdened by 50.4 billion euros due to the energy crisis, according to data from the Federal Ministry of Finance. These costs stem from 27 different relief measures, subsidies, and market interventions designed to stabilize energy markets and assist consumers.

The largest expenditures were the electricity and gas price brakes, which combined for more than 30 billion euros. Specifically, the electricity price brake accounted for 16.3 billion euros, while the gas price brake cost 14.3 billion euros. Additionally, 8.5 billion euros were spent on immediate aid to cover gas advance payments, and over 6 billion euros were allocated for energy price flat rates for retirees.

These figures do not include lost tax revenue, such as the temporary reduction in value-added tax on gas. In response to these findings, MP Sebastian Schäfer warned against creating new strategic dependencies in energy supply, noting that previous reliance on imports had significant economic and security implications.