News

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is continuing its funding program for energy-intensive industries through so-called climate protection agreements. The ministry, headed by Katherina Reiche (CDU), launched another bidding process on Tuesday, primarily targeting companies in the chemical, metals, cement, lime, glass, paper, and ceramics sectors. The funding conditions have been adjusted in […]

Belgium will halt the dismantling of its nuclear power plants at the end of April 2026, thus abandoning its plan for a complete nuclear phase-out. The government is simultaneously considering a state takeover of the plants, as security of supply, high electricity prices, and energy imports are becoming risks. Operators, industry, and households will all

In Senegal, an EU-funded transport project faces a critical decision. The plan for Dakar includes 380 natural gas-powered buses, 14 routes, two depots, approximately 700 bus stops, 13 terminals, a ticketing system, and road improvements. The project is budgeted at around €320 million. However, reports indicate that the Chinese state-owned company CRRC is the frontrunner.

The German labor market deteriorated further in March 2026. The number of employed persons residing in Germany fell to approximately 45.52 million, a decrease of 174,000 compared to the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, a further 25,000 jobs were lost compared to February. At the same time, unemployment rose to around 1.84 million people, an increase

Aldi Süd plans to cut approximately 1,250 jobs at its headquarters in Mülheim an der Ruhr by the end of 2027, primarily affecting the IT and digital division Aldi DX and central administrative departments. This is a corporate restructuring following significant staff expansion in digital structures. At the same time, the discount retailer is responding

The ADAC (German Automobile Club) believes that the so-called fuel discount will not be fully passed on to customers. Compared to last Thursday, fuel prices were recently around eleven cents lower, but the reduced energy tax, which came into effect on Friday, should result in a reduction of 16.7 cents per liter, the automobile club

At the end of April 2026, Germany temporarily paid substantial sums to attract foreign countries to purchase surplus solar power and other electricity. The market price plummeted to a negative price of minus 48 cents per kilowatt-hour. Simultaneously, operators of older solar power plants received feed-in tariffs of up to 40 cents. This resulted in

In 2026, the German government plans to again distribute large sums of money to non-governmental organizations (NGOs). However, it remains difficult to ascertain which recipients will receive the funds. In response to a parliamentary inquiry, the government did not provide a complete overview, citing instead the high administrative costs. Meanwhile, citizens are paying ever-increasing taxes,

The furniture manufacturer Interlübke from Rheda-Wiedenbrück filed for insolvency at the end of April 2026 after the Iran-Iraq War significantly increased costs. The Bielefeld District Court appointed attorney Dr. Yorck Tilman Streitbörger as the provisional insolvency administrator. The situation became particularly precarious because the factory still uses oil heating and, at the same time, freight

Following EU approval on April 16, 2026, the German government is introducing an industrial electricity price for the years 2026 to 2028 because high energy prices put energy-intensive companies at a disadvantage in international competition. The government is providing €3.8 billion for this purpose, while eligible companies will have to pay at least €50 per

Following the United Arab Emirates’ surprise withdrawal from OPEC+, seven leading member countries have increased their oil production quotas. Saudi Arabia, Russia, and five other major oil-producing nations in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its Partners (OPEC+) will produce an additional 188,000 barrels per day in June, the organization announced on its

A spending freeze has been in effect in Aachen since April 2026. The city administration is taking this drastic measure because the budget deficit is growing rapidly. The reasons for this are rising social welfare costs, higher operating expenses, and weaker revenues. At the same time, there is no reliable financial outlook for the coming

In Berlin, criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz is intensifying after he complained of public hostility. The conflict stems not only from personal attacks, but also from broken campaign promises that motivated many voters to cast their ballots. Particularly troubling is Merz’s barely visible response to this disappointment. As a result, many voters feel politically powerless.

Ukraine plans a massive expansion of its nuclear power capacity in 2026, while the war with Russia continues to threaten the electricity supply. The government in Kyiv aims to significantly increase electricity production from nuclear power. This expansion is driven by destroyed power plants, high import costs, and grid congestion. At the same time, the

In Washington, Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, declaring that he “should fix his broken country.” This was triggered by Merz’s public criticism of the US approach to the Iran nuclear deal and of Trump himself. With this move, Merz has brought a highly sensitive conflict into the public arena,