Publications

Columbia elects a fragmented parliament

Strong Results for the Government Camp and “Uribismo” Reshuffle the Deck for the Presidential Election

The parliamentary elections in Colombia have reshaped the political landscape. Unclear majorities characterize the new Congress. Colombians were also called upon to select candidates for the presidential elections through primaries. Here, the center‑right camp gained new momentum thanks to the unexpectedly strong performance of Paloma Valencia. Yet behind the election results lies much more: a country caught between demands for reform, security crises, and growing mistrust in institutions.

State election in Baden-Wuerttemberg on 8 March 2026

Analysis based on preliminary results, on the main determining factors, voter migration and social structure

The election results in Baden-Wuerttemberg are influenced by state-specific factors and differ significantly from the political mood at the federal level. Our election analysis provides explanations for the results and examines voter migration and the key determining factors. Based on election day polls and surveys conducted in the run-up to the election, we explain the significance of assessments of leading politicians, party competencies and political issues for the election results.

Special economic zones as a structural policy reform option in Germany

Analysis of the legal, federal and administrative requirements for the introduction of special economic zones to improve economic conditions

Special economic zones (SEZs) are being discussed as a tool for specifically addressing structural barriers in the German administrative and regulatory framework. The study analyses the legal and administrative conditions under which regionally limited reform areas can be designed in a legally secure manner. It considers SEZs as potential mechanisms for accelerating procedures, testing new forms of organisation and strengthening economically disadvantaged regions – without changing national legal structures as a whole.

War in the Middle East

How countries in the region are responding to the escalation between Israel and the U.S. with Iran

The American-Israeli attack on Iran and the massive backlash have plunged the entire region into a renewed state of emergency. From Israel to North Africa to the Gulf, governments are taking sides, societies are divided, and diplomatic tensions are growing. This report, from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's offices in the Middle East and North Africa, provides an overview of the political lines, security risks, and regional dynamics.

Mexico after the blow against "El Mencho": Security situation, World Cup risks and trade prospects

In February 2026, Mexican armed forces succeed in arresting and eliminating Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"), the leader of the country's most powerful cartel. This is immediately followed by coordinated acts of retaliation and demonstrations of power: roadblocks, arson attacks and armed clashes between security forces and cartel members, claiming around 60 lives. Mexico's precarious security situation is thus temporarily back in the international spotlight. The government is striving to restore stability quickly, not least with a view to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. A sustained escalation would further fuel the debate that has already arisen about possible venue changes. At the same time, the operation strengthens the Mexican government's position vis-à-vis the United States. The elimination of a globally wanted cartel leader is intended to demonstrate Mexico's ability to act in terms of security policy and to refute arguments for US intervention. With a view to the upcoming renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (T-MEC), this is of considerable importance, as the T-MEC remains Mexico's economic lifeline. The outlook for German and European companies in Mexico in 2026 is generally positive, mainly due to the planned modernisation of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement. Although the violence is increasing uncertainty in the short term, a renewed nationwide escalation is considered unlikely. If the operation strengthens Mexico's position in the T-MEC negotiations, this would be advantageous for German and European companies based in Mexico.

Open to goods, closed to immigration?

China’s stance on labour migration

China has so far remained largely closed to foreign immigration. Yet, with a rapidly aging population, China’s economic model is increasingly reaching its limits, which may soon make targeted recruitment of foreign labour necessary. For Germany and Europe, China could emerge as a new competitor in the global race for talent.

New (minority) government in the Netherlands

Compromise becomes a key issue

On February 23, 2026, the Netherlands will have a new government led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The minority government, consisting of the liberal-progressive Democraten 66 (D66), the right-wing liberal Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Christen-Democratisch Appèl (CDA), was sworn in by King Willem-Alexander 117 days after the election. With its coalition agreement “Aan de slag” (“Let's get to work”) , a clearly structured work program, the new government has set itself ambitious goals: domestically, it is reform-oriented and willing to invest in the economy and defense; foreign policy-wise, it is clearly pro-European. Now the “Jetten Cabinet” must prove that it can win majorities for its plans even without its own parliamentary majority in politically polarized times. The Netherlands does not have much experience with minority governments, but the “experiment” at least offers the chance to overcome the political paralysis left behind by right-wing populist Geert Wilders with parties from the political center and to tackle the pressing domestic and foreign policy challenges.

AI literacy requirements should be reformed to be more practical

Article 4 of the AI Act: Good for bureaucracy, bad in practice

Article 4 of the AI Act leads to abstract, one-off training courses that can be easily monitored bureaucratically. In practice, however, they offer little real added value. What is needed instead are agile, sector-specific teaching and learning programmes. Art. 4 should therefore be amended with the Digital Omnibus.

Europe in the Age of Geoeconomics

Can ‘Buy European’ Strengthen Europe's Competitiveness and Resilience?

In addition to countervailing duties, international alliances and innovation promotion, ‘Buy European’ is being discussed as a tool for strengthening European industry. However, ‘Buy European’ should be a last resort and only applied in narrowly defined areas. A combination of targeted countervailing duties in cases of unfair competition and an ambitious free trade agenda would be more effective.

One year of Mahama and NDC government in Ghana

Between macroeconomic stabilisation and unresolved structural problems

The year 2025 marked a political turning point in Ghana: with John Dramani Mahama's return to the presidency in January 2025, an experienced political figure who stands for both substantial infrastructure investment and economic turmoil in Ghanaian politics once again took the helm. One year on, the question now is: where does Ghana stand today? What progress has the new NDC government made – and what challenges remain?