Talks over a rescue of Uniper involving billions of euros have reached the highest government levels, with majority state-owned Finnish parent company Fortum saying Berlin holds the “keys to resolve this situation” as the Nordic nation tries to avoid throwing more taxpayer money at the German business.

Fortum – which owns 78% of Uniper and itself is 51%-owned by the Finnish state – said it is continuing constructive talks with the German government on how to stabilise Uniper both in terms of its financial position and business risks, safeguarding the security of Germany’s energy supply.