Energy price shock: What a resilient energy transition must achieve
A resilient energy transition should be able to withstand geopolitical price shocks and be competitive with cheap fossil fuels
The energy price shock exposes Germany's structural market weaknesses. While geopolitics is driving up prices, spiralling system costs and Government-imposed levies are jeopardising our economic substance. A resilient energy transition counteracts this and remains competitive even when fossil fuel prices fall. This will secure our position as an industrial location and prevent climate protection from being bought at the expense of valuable added value.
Dr. Christian Hübner
March 13, 2026
kurzum
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation in figures 2023
figures I data I pictograms
We present interesting facts about the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in the current issue of the publication " Die Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Zahlen 2023 ". Are you interested in the current thematic focuses and research content of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung? Would you like to know more about our recent publications and events? We give you an insight into the number of scholarship holders we support and the digitisation of our archive material or an overview of the KAS Fellows of past years. We show you our KAS Awards and a selection of our podcasts. Read more about our magazines and the development of our social media channels.
March 10, 2026
Single title
IMAGO / Arnulf Hettrich
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.
Dr. Viola Neu, Dr. Sabine Pokorny
March 9, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
KALUZA + SCHMID
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.
Prof. Dr. Steffen Hindelang, Helene Schramm
March 9, 2026
Single title
Imago/ Xinhua
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.
Caroline Schmidt, David Merkle
February 25, 2026
Facts and Findings
smarterpix / HayDmitriy
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.
Leonie Mader
February 20, 2026
kurzum
Smarterpix/ sweet_tomato
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.
Tim Peter
February 19, 2026
kurzum
Imago/ Ipon
Does the new military service bring security and equality?
How the Military Service Modernisation Act will strengthen the Bundeswehr and German society
In order to increase the number of personnel in the Bundeswehr and thus Germany's defence capability, the Federal Government has passed the Military Service Modernisation Act. This is primarily based on voluntariness and attractive conditions. Although the reform is likely to meet the federal government's targets for the number of reservists, experts are advocating for stronger mandatory elements. These should also include women and a legally sound answer to military equality (Wehrgerechtigkeit). Otherwise, there is a risk that the target of 260,000 active troops by 2035 will not be reached.
Martin Bieber
February 16, 2026
Monitor
IMAGO / Xinhua
World trade continues even without WTO reform
The EU can shape trade rules with its partners
From 26 to 29 March 2026, the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference will be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Expectations for this highest-ranking world trade body are extremely low. No one seriously believes that the deadlock that has persisted since the 4th Ministerial Conference in Doha can be broken. The fundamental reform of the WTO that has been called for years will not succeed this time either. While this is not good news for the global trade order, it does not mean that the constructive forces within the international community, and in particular the EU, have their hands tied.
Gunter Rieck Moncayo
February 10, 2026
kurzum
IMAGO / Zoonar
EU Climate Policy in an Uncertain World
How Europe Should Use Emissions Trading for Partnerships and Resilience – and Why This Requires Social Acceptance and Regulatory Clarity
High costs are putting EU climate policy under pressure as global rules erode. Europe’s response should follow Social Market Economy principles: aligning carbon prices globally and create reliable, rules‑based frameworks. The EU can use its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to incentivize climate clubs and rely on Article 6 for targeted partnerships. This requires strong domestic acceptance: revenues from carbon pricing must be returned transparently, fairly, and visibly – and the EU Emissions Trading System must be strengthened as the central rules‑based instrument of European climate policy.
