Research Article

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

Number: Advanced Online Publication February 20, 2026
TR EN

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

Abstract

This article analyzes how Germany’s response to the 2022 energy crisis affected its climate action and international credibility within 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 Germany build its 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 COP 27, Germany worked 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, Germany'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.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Thanks

The authors have no additional acknowledgments to declare.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

European Studies , International Relations (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

October 7, 2025

Publication Date

February 20, 2026

Submission Date

May 12, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 17, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Erbil, E., & Tanrısever, O. (2025). Germany’s 2022 Energy Crisis Response and Post-Crisis Climate Diplomacy. Ankara Avrupa Çalışmaları Dergisi, Advanced Online Publication, 1-35. https://doi.org/10.32450/aacd.1697961
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