The German coalition government is not unconditionally supporting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s bid for a second mandate, with high-ranking representatives of the ruling parties saying she would need to make concessions in return for German support.
Germany is currently experiencing a significant increase in cyber threats, with the risk of ransomware attacks considered exceptionally high, according to the latest report from the German Federal Office for Information Security.
The German government passed the budget for its flagship climate and transformation fund (KTF) on Wednesday (9 August) to accelerate the green transition by providing €212 billion to various projects in building renovation, decarbonisation and the industry between 2024 and 2027.
Faced with possible gas shortages as supplies from Russia dwindle, the German government has agreed on a gas-saving plan to cut gas use by around 2% by reducing heating in public buildings and shutting off the lights at night.
The honeymoon period of the new German “traffic light” government may officially be over: vice chancellor Robert Habeck has threatened to block the contentious Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as part of sanctions against Russia, revealing tensions within the coalition over the project.
