Germany's 2022 Energy Crisis Response and Post-Crisis Climate Diplomacy

Creative Commons License

Erbil E., TANRISEVER O. F.

ANKARA AVRUPA CALISMALARI DERGISI-ANKARA REVIEW OF EUROPEAN STUDIES, cilt.25, sa.1, 2026 (ESCI)

Özet

This article analyzes how Germany's response to the 2022 energy crisis affected its climate action and international credibilitywithin the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The energy crisis, which resulted in a significant decrease in Russian gas supplies to Europe, made the country build its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure, postpone its nuclear phase-out, temporarily revive its coal-fired power plants, and make legislative adjustments. Given Germany's long-standing active engagement in international climate action, these decisions cast doubt on its reliability in global climate diplomacy. Despite facing credibility issues at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 27, Germanyworked to rebuild its image through increased climate finance commitments and greater support for decarbonization efforts at COP 28 and COP 29. According to the findings, the country's perceived consistency was undermined by emergency measures, but its financial assistance and diplomatic engagement contributed significantly to restoring its credibility. As a result, the German case serves as a key point of reference for future climate governance in times of crisis and highlights the difficulties developed countries encounter in maintaining a balance between their urgent national interests and their responsibilities under global climate action.