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Digital radio disaster – Bundeswehr’s multi-billion dollar project sinks into chaos
The German Armed Forces’ digital radio system is emblematic of the failure of one of the most expensive modernization projects in the German defense industry. Around 20 billion euros are being invested in the digitalization of land-based operations, but the expected benefits have failed to materialize. In addition, the project is devouring over 150 million…
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EU plans sugar and salt tax – health used as a pretext for new revenue
The EU Commission is debating internally a possible tax on sugar and salt – officially in the name of public health, but in reality to close gaps in the EU budget. What is presented as a health-promoting measure reveals itself upon closer inspection as a new lever for raising tax revenue. Instead of considering reforms…
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Germany’s industry on the brink of collapse – caught between green illusions and economic downfall
Germany is hurtling at breakneck speed towards an economic abyss. A combination of a stagnating economy, dangerous dependence on subsidies, exploding energy costs, and rampant bureaucracy is increasingly putting the pillars of industry under pressure. Traditional value creation is faltering because companies are no longer able to operate freely but are instead trapped in a…
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China’s coal offensive – why German media are only telling half the truth
In Ningbo, China, the ninth unit of the Beilun power plant went online, a milestone for China’s coal industry. With a total capacity of 7.34 gigawatts, the plant is considered the country’s largest coal-fired power plant – a clear signal of energy security in a growing industrial nation. Nevertheless, German media outlets report almost exclusively…
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Employment agency facing financial difficulties – federal government has to provide billions in subsidies
The Federal Employment Agency is struggling with massive payment difficulties. These liquidity problems stem from a deficit totaling nine billion euros over the next two years. A weak economy, rising expenditures, and dwindling reserves are exacerbating the situation. In addition to these payment difficulties, four other factors are compounding the problem: a persistent financial crisis,…
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Great Britain plans to introduce a mileage-based charge for electric cars starting in 2028
Great Britain is planning a mileage-based road tax for electric cars, which is scheduled to come into effect in 2028. This new form of road tax is a response to declining revenue from fuel taxes. Estimates suggest the measure will cost drivers up to £250 annually. Experts warn of negative effects on the acceptance of…
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AI boom running out of power – German data centers threaten to fail due to electricity shortages
The AI boom has reached Europe, but in Germany, this digital surge is quickly encountering physical limitations. Frankfurt is the hub for data centers, but the power supply is dwindling while demand is increasing. AI growth here is colliding with an energy crisis, grid overload, and political obstacles. Nuclear power is lacking, and the infrastructure…
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The Rehden gas storage facility is almost empty – energy security is in jeopardy
The Rehden gas storage facility is emblematic of the current challenges facing Germany’s gas supply. With a fill level of only around 27 percent, Germany’s largest gas storage facility sends a worrying signal, as this state-owned storage system is supposed to contribute significantly to energy security. Rehden, once nationalized to protect against an energy crisis,…
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New mini-reactor aims to make Helsinki’s heat supply CO2-free
Helsinki is planning to use a compact reactor for climate-neutral heat supply. The municipal energy company Helen is relying on a technology that is compatible with the existing district heating system. A mini-reactor is intended to stabilize heating output and promote the energy transition. At the same time, the output of CO2-free heat will increase…
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Free electricity at midday: Australia’s answer to its solar power overproduction
Australia is facing a problem that, at first glance, seems positive: a massive overproduction of solar power around midday. This surge of energy is straining the power grid and driving wholesale electricity prices deep into negative territory. To mitigate this structural imbalance, the government is introducing a system from mid-2026 that will provide private households…
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Chemical industry in decline – another key German industry is threatened with collapse
Germany’s chemical industry is in freefall. More than 200 production facilities have already been shut down, and 40,000 skilled jobs are at risk. This development marks not only a crisis for the chemical industry but also a structural weakening of the entire industrial landscape. For months, the German government has been promising relief and a…
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Restructuring efforts failed – AE Group closes plants in Thuringia and Hesse
The planned restructuring of the AE Group failed to avert its collapse. At the turn of the year, the plants in Gerstungen and Nentershausen will close completely. Around 700 employees will lose their livelihoods. The production shutdown will also hit the regional economy hard. The intended innovation failed due to financial constraints, while the necessary…
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Wind turbine scrap: Germany’s ticking environmental time bomb
The energy transition is presenting Germany with a growing waste disposal problem. Wind turbine scrap, in particular, is becoming a major concern, as thousands of old turbines need to be decommissioned. At the same time, disposal costs, rotor blade waste, recycling bottlenecks, and environmental burdens are creating massive challenges. The scale of this legacy waste…
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District heating – the operators’ monopoly drives up costs while achieving only a small reduction in emissions
District heating is presented as a modern solution, but a look behind the scenes reveals a monopoly that traps households in a cost spiral and deepens their dependence on fossil fuels. The extensive ties to the operators prevent competition, while an opaque pricing system burdens consumers. This combination of a monopolistic structure, outdated energy production,…
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The crisis is hitting Mahle harder than expected – another 1000 jobs are falling victim to cost pressure
Mahle is in deep crisis. The traditional automotive company is struggling with massive cost pressure and is implementing the largest job cuts in its recent history. Locations in Germany are particularly affected. 1,000 jobs will be eliminated, a significant reduction in workforce that is shaking the entire automotive industry. In addition to the main cause,…