Gas crisis and inflation: Germans must expect the worst for the winter. Greece is now inviting pensioners from Germany to spend the winter.
Athens/Berlin – It sounds like a dream solution in view of the exploding heating costs and inflation. The Greek Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilias is calling on Germans to spend the winter months in his country. “For autumn and winter, it would be a great pleasure for us Greeks to welcome German pensioners who would like to experience a ‘Mediterranean winter’ with Greek hospitality, mild weather and high-quality services,” Kikilias told Bild . “We will wait for you,” added the tourism minister.
Gas crisis: Greece officially invites Germans in winter
Crystal clear water, sandy beaches and mild temperatures in Greece instead of the prospect of a shivering winter in Germany sound tempting, doesn’t it? On the Greek island of Crete, winter temperatures range from 15 to 18 degrees. Crete is ideally suited “to survive a crisis winter”, emphasizes the mayor of the port city of Chania, Panagiotis Simandirakis. He accepts the invitation. Here you don’t need heating in the house. “No German will freeze in Greece,” said the mayor (“No German will freeze in Greece”).
Contingency plan for Europe: “Everyone can save gas, now”
The EU Commission expects that Russia could turn off the gas supply this year. A first draft of an emergency plan already exists. Public buildings, offices and commercial buildings should be heated to a maximum of 19 degrees from autumn. “Acting now can reduce the effects of a sudden supply interruption by a third,” says the text, which is available to the German Press Agency.
Companies that can replace gas should reduce their consumption, they say. The aim is to protect industries that are particularly important for supply chains and competitiveness. Households are also encouraged to voluntarily consume less. “Anyone can save gas, now,” writes the commission. The plan is subject to change and is expected to be officially presented next Wednesday (July 20). (ml/dpa)
