Germany's cabinet has approved a bilateral agreement with the Netherlands to drill for up to 13 billion cubic meters of natural gas in a protected marine site in the North Sea. The decision aims to enhance energy security amid efforts to replace Russian gas supplies and stabilize the European gas market. The drilling site is located in a UNESCO-protected area near Borkum, sparking criticism from environmentalists concerned about the impact on climate protection, marine space, and the local environment. The move marks a controversial shift in Germany's energy policy, which has previously included shutting down nuclear power plants while now permitting fossil fuel extraction in environmentally sensitive zones.