Germany and the Czech Republic have signed a joint declaration pledging to overcome dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy.

"Nord Stream 1" is stopped for annual maintenance. Supplies will stop for 10 days, but governments, markets and companies in Europe are concerned that the shutdown could be extended because of the war in Ukraine.

"We are going to finalise the agreement on solidarity measures to safeguard the security of gas supply between our countries prior to the start of the upcoming winter season," the declaration read.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, on a visit to Prague, and Czech Industry Minister Jozef Sikela said it was necessary to prepare for various options, including that deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline would not resume when scheduled maintenance is due to finish on 21 July.