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The German economy is far more deeply in crisis than official figures suggest. New revisions to gross domestic product reveal that previous estimates were exaggerated. These statistics conceal considerable uncertainty, which should alarm not only experts but also citizens and businesses, as numerous political decisions are based on the official figures. German economy and questionable […]

German gas storage facilities are insufficiently filled. Compared to previous years and our European neighbors, the levels are at a worryingly low level ahead of the coming winter. Although the Ministry of Economic Affairs describes gas supplies for the winter as stable, experts warn of serious risks. In particular, the low level of just 20

A nearly completed offshore wind farm off Rhode Island is idle. The Trump administration is prohibiting the Danish company Orsted from completing its “Revolution Wind” project. Officially, Washington is citing national security concerns. This exacerbates Orsted’s financial problems, as the facility was considered key to future revenue. Billion-dollar project under pressure from the Trump administration

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, together with the Dutch pension fund APG, plans to invest in Tennet. This shifts the focus to Germany’s largest electricity grid operator, which plays a key role in the energy transition. A billion-euro bid is expected to be on the table by mid-September, bringing new investors into play. (wallstreet-online: 22.08.25) The

A simple breakdown can turn into a nightmare for many electric car owners. Instead of around €300, some services charge more than €2,000 for towing. Those affected complain of being “ripped off” and feel let down by their e-car insurance. Thus, a simple electric car breakdown quickly becomes a cost trap that destroys trust. (n24:

The property tax was supposed to remain neutral, but many municipalities in Lower Saxony are significantly raising their assessment rates. Owners and tenants are now paying significantly more, even though the reform originally promised no hidden tax increase. Smaller municipalities in particular are using the adjustment to stabilize their budgets, which is fueling criticism of

The European auto industry is under massive pressure. Short sellers are taking advantage of the uncertainty and deliberately betting on falling prices. Competition from China and high tariffs from the US are putting pressure on manufacturers’ margins. According to the Financial Times, short positions have increased significantly since Trump’s return to the White House. According

District heating is currently causing outrage in Stuttgart. At an information event in Bad Cannstatt, EnBW presented an example with a €45,833 cost for a house connection. Many visitors were “downright shocked.” Added to this were €123,000 in building services costs for an apartment building. In the end, this meant a personal contribution of around

The shortage of IT specialists has noticeably eased in 2024. According to an analysis by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research, the number of open positions fell by 26 percent compared to 2023. Experts with academic degrees are particularly affected. Jurek Tiedemann, an economist specializing in securing skilled workers, describes the development as “rapid.” In

Solar roofs are now mandatory for new buildings in many German states. However, grid operators are increasingly refusing to allow feed-in. Overloaded power grids render photovoltaic systems on private roofs unusable. At the same time, bureaucracy is forcing homeowners to make investments that are hardly worthwhile without the option to feed in electricity. (zfk: 19.08.25)

Google has chosen a new location in the US state of Tennessee. Together with Kairos Power, it is building an innovative nuclear power plant in Oak Ridge specifically designed to meet the growing energy demands of data centers. Nuclear energy is seen as key to balancing costs and security of supply. (theverge: 19.08.25) Oak Ridge

A severe blow is imminent for the Porsche battery subsidiary in Stuttgart. According to research by “Spiegel,” Cellforce is facing almost complete closure. The project, which began as a strategic step into the world of battery cells, is now culminating in a mass layoff. Around 200 of 286 employees are expected to lose their jobs.

German industry is under pressure in a fiercely competitive environment. Especially outside the EU, competitiveness feels like an additional burden. Ursula von der Leyen’s “sensational deal” with Donald Trump ensures that EU exports to the US are subject to a 15 percent tariff, while US products enter the EU duty-free. This is exacerbating the industrial

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is pulling the plug. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the agency will no longer support solar and wind projects on fertile farmland. The decision fits into a series of measures under President Donald Trump aimed at slowing the expansion of renewable energy. (reuters: 18.08.25) Rollins warns of losses on

The LNG terminal in Mukran on the island of Rügen is causing ongoing controversy. The entire power supply is currently based on ship generators, as a shore power connection has not been implemented. According to the Ministry of the Environment, the operator submitted the required data on air pollutants and noise on time. “Including the