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In Schwäbisch Gmünd, the Bettringen district heating network is becoming a financial burden. Following a planned tariff increase, district heating prices could rise by 60 percent. At the same time, the debate surrounding a 30-million-euro budget shortfall at the municipal utility company is intensifying. (remszeitung: 17.01.26) Schwäbisch Gmünd: 30 Million Euros and the Question of […]

Since the beginning of 2026, owners of heat pumps have only been eligible for government subsidies if they comply with new noise limits. The federal government aims to reduce noise conflicts in residential areas, as many complaints originate from the outdoor unit. Anyone hoping to secure heat pump subsidies should therefore check how quiet the

Motorcycle manufacturer KTM, based in Mattighofen, Upper Austria, is known for its off-road, street, and racing models. The company is intensifying job cuts as part of its restructuring following insolvency, eliminating another 500 positions. A job foundation is intended to serve as a safety net for these affected employees. (t-online: 15.01.26) KTM to Cut Jobs

Within the CDU, there are efforts to redefine the term “climate neutral.” Two influential party organizations are driving this: the MIT, the CDU/CSU’s SME and Economic Union, and the CDA, the Christian Democratic Employees’ Association, the union’s labor wing. Both want to define “climate neutral” so that it no longer means net zero, but rather

The German government aims to make hydrogen readily available. In Saarland, however, this plan has suffered a significant setback, as the three planned hydrogen production projects in Völklingen, Saarlouis, and Perl will not be implemented. The decisive factors are high electricity prices, a lack of large-scale consumers, and regulations that make investing in electrolyzers in

EnBW is withdrawing from the British offshore wind farm projects Mona and Morgan. This brings its involvement in the Irish Sea to a temporary end. A write-down of €1.2 billion will be recorded in the 2025 financial statements, as the company has already invested heavily in the projects. Without government subsidies, the wind farms are

The German Armed Forces arrived in Nuuk, Greenland, on Friday evening, January 16, 2026. Shortly afterward, Trump announced tariffs against participating European countries. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, they unexpectedly and without explanation withdrew. The withdrawal thus occurred after approximately 44 hours. The mission was intended to examine the framework for potential contributions to Arctic

In Germany, the number of unemployed managers rose significantly in 2025 because companies reduced costs and streamlined hierarchies through restructuring. Furthermore, staff reductions, a weak economy, and a tighter labor market noticeably exacerbated the situation for managers as well. (handelsblatt: 13.01.26) Executives particularly affected Many corporations launched restructuring programs in 2025, eliminating entire management teams

Baden-Württemberg is heading towards the state elections in March, but the tone has shifted. The Green state government no longer stands for stability, but rather for a record that many see as a contributing factor to the current political imbalance. At the same time, Cem Özdemir needs to generate attention in the southwest, even though

Having a pharmacy around the corner seems like a given, but pharmacies are becoming increasingly rare. At the end of 2025, Germany had only 16,601 locations, 440 fewer than the year before. The ABDA (Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists) cites several factors driving this decline, as costs, fees, staffing, and mail-order pharmacies are

Tedious and pointless paperwork dominates the daily operations of many businesses. Instead of productive work, administrative burdens are increasing. This hits the skilled trades particularly hard, as small businesses are prevalent. As a result, orders are delayed, deadlines are postponed, and costs rise along the supply chain. Although the government constantly promises to reduce bureaucracy,

Germany’s critical infrastructure is under pressure, as series of power outages, a potential blackout, and drone espionage combine to create a complex mix of risks. At the same time, redundancy to mitigate individual failures is lacking in many places. A single network outage is now enough to cause all communication chains to collapse. (thepioneer: 10.01.26)

Germany has made a central hydrogen pipeline, spanning approximately 400 kilometers, operational, but it lacks connected suppliers and firm purchase agreements. This will lead to long-term increases in electricity prices because fixed capital costs flow back into the energy system. Simultaneously, grid fees will rise as financing is secured through regulated returns. This effect is

The FRM II research reactor at the Technical University of Munich has been shut down for almost six years, even though it is needed as a neutron source. This has resulted in a shortage of medical radioisotopes, and at the same time, the transport of nuclear waste remains on hold. Meanwhile, critics and operators continue

Following the blackout in Berlin, the Green Party parliamentary group instructed its members in writing, with a clear directive. The email stated: “DO NOT focus on perpetrators/investigations.” This was intended to prevent left-wing extremist suspects from becoming the main public issue. At the same time, the party is prioritizing the election campaign. The power grid