In view of the high energy prices, the countries are demanding more state support for small and medium-sized businesses such as bakeries and retailers. On Friday, the Bundesrat passed a resolution tabled by the city states of Bremen and Berlin, which will now be forwarded to the federal government. The countries suggest that more companies may apply for help from the so-called energy cost containment program. Formal hurdles for applications from small and medium-sized companies would have to be removed and the application period extended.
The program supports companies that cannot pass on sharply increased energy costs to their customers due to international competition. So far it has been geared towards industry. Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) has already announced that he wants to open it up to trade and the service sector. (dpa)