1. When angela merkel took over as Germany's chancellor in 2005 Western leaders had high hopes that Russia would progress from semi-authoritarian regime to liberal democracy.
take over 接管
It's still far from clear what action the government proposes to take over the affair.
尚不清楚政府打算采取什么行动接手这件事
2. Russia provided 40% of Germany's gas. Germany was about to become Russia's largest trading partner.
be about to 即将
Energy taxes, already high, may be about to rise.
已经很高的能源税可能会继续上涨
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