State Secretary Udo Philipp said that the federal government excludes credit lines for projects in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara
In a written answer to Bundestag Deputy Ali Al-Dailami from the party DIE LINKE, State Secretary Udo Philipp said that the federal government excludes credit lines for projects in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara regarding Siemens AG. This answer was given last Novemebr 15th regarding the question put forward by Al-Dalami who enquired about the discussions and negotiations on German State Sid for Siemens AG Energy in form of guarantees up to 15 billion Euros. The deputy from Die Linke referred in particular if the Federal Government would include project in occupied Western Sahara since it is a clear violation of law, citing the decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
This statement of State Secretary Udo Philipp makes it clear that Germany has no intention so far to violate the decision of the CJEU.
Bundestag: Question and Answer:
Question: Deputy Ali Al-Dailami (DIE LINKE.)
Are the company’s activities in the Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara also being discussed in the negotiations for state aid for Siemens Energy AG in the form of guarantees of up to 15 billion euros (www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/regierung-siemens-energy-wichtig-fuer-die-transfor mation-19273623.html), which have been ongoing for months according to the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Dr Robert Habeck, and if so, with what result, and is the Federal Government linking possible state aid to Siemens Energy to the termination of business in the occupied territories, which violate several judgements of the Court of Justice of the European Union?
Answer given by German State Secretary Udo Philipp on 15 November 2023
In the opinion of the Federal Government, Siemens Energy AG is a company relevant to the transformation of Germany as a business location. In recent weeks, the Federal Government has been in close contact with Siemens Energy AG, Siemens AG and private banks to clarify whether and how the Federal Government can support Siemens Energy in securing the necessary guarantee lines. The Confederation’s primary objective was to ensure that all stakeholders assume appropriate responsibility.
The negotiations to date have focussed in particular on reaching a fundamental agreement among all parties involved on the provision of the necessary guarantee lines and possible state aid. In the course of further negotiations and as part of the structuring of the guarantee modalities and conditions, we will ensure that the provision of guarantees from the credit line guaranteed by the federal government for projects in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara is excluded.
Furthermore, the legal opinion of the Federal Government, the European Union and the United Nations is that the status of Western Sahara is unresolved. Defining this conclusively is the subject of a negotiation process under the auspices of the United Nations. The Federal Government does not support any projects on the territory of Western Sahara.
Die Bundesregierung unterstützt keine Projekte auf dem Gebiet der Westsahara. by porunsaharalibre.org on Scribd
