In today's energy crisis, having a place in the sun has its perks.
Energy giants such as Totalenergies from France and Eni from Italy are currently securing shares in the world's largest liquid gas project in Qatar and thus extensive supplies as an alternative to Russian gas.
These large corporations, in which state and private interests are closely intertwined to this day, can be trump cards in the battle for geopolitical influence.
It is not for nothing that they are often referred to as branches of the foreign ministries.
Historically, their development is linked not least to colonial politics.
The British have BP, the Netherlands have Shell (Royal Dutch Petroleum).
And Germany?
Wintershall and Deutsche Erdoel AG merged in 2019, but are a small player internationally.
Above all, they bet heavily on Russia – a mistake from today's perspective.
You can't turn back history.
However, the realization remains that Germany without its own oil and gas multinational will be slowed down by another shackle.
The sources of energy have to be bought expensively, because you don't produce much yourself.