The weaponisation of energy when Russia invaded Ukraine has given way to “weaponising everything” since Donald Trump returned to the White House, Germany’s former economy minister has said. “From weaponising energy – bad enough – to weaponising everything, this is the lesson I hope everyone has learned,” said Habeck, vice-chancellor of the last German coalition government. Price spikes have sparked renewed calls for clean local energy and complaints Europe should have ditched foreign fuels faster. Germany made 60% of its electricity from renewables last year, with coal and gas making up the rest. “I would say Germany has made its peace with a different form of heat systems, and electric vehicles are now really increasing,” said Habeck.

Source: The Guardian March 13, 2026 09:28 UTC