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Facts and Findings

Selected contributions to the series with international relevance

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Adobe Stock/ 1xpert

The European Union – stabilized internally, confronted externally

Results of the Panorama Analysis 2025

The Panorama Analysis 2025 provides a comprehensive insight into the current development of the European Union and its environment in a year-on-year comparison. The analysis presents a multithematic assessment of the current situation in the areas of innovation and competitiveness, the attitudes of member states towards the EU, and the global environment. By using qualitative and quantitative indicators, it provides sound insights into current trends and developments.

Philipp Burkhardt, Tim Peter
July 2, 2025
Facts and Findings
Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

No Fear of Numbers: Why Math Belongs in Early Childhood Education

Strengthening Educational Opportunities Through Early Support

Early math education strengthens logical thinking, STEM skills, and social participation. Even toddlers develop a sense of patterns, quantities, and structures when supported by skilled early childhood educators. Introducing mathematical learning in preschool not only improves future career opportunities but also promotes equity, democratic understanding, and a sense of agency. To achieve this, we need strong structural support, professional development, more qualified staff, and political commitment.

Tobias Ernst
June 26, 2025
Facts and Findings
Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

Criminal responsibility limits in Europe: Insights into the legal situation and juvenile delinquency

How European countries deal with criminal responsibility limits and what conclusions can be drawn for the German debate

The discussion about lowering the criminal responsibility threshold in Germany to less than 14 years of age is controversial. Proponents argue that earlier criminal interventions are necessary to prevent criminal careers. Critics warn against stigmatization and point to alternatives such as preventive and educational measures. A comparison of models in countries such as the UK, Sweden and Switzerland shows different approaches and their implications. This analysis sheds light on key challenges and perspectives for Germany.

Annika Schröder
June 26, 2025
Facts and Findings
PantherMedia /Joerg Hackemann

A new approach to combating anti-Semitism

Plea for the inclusion of the fight against anti-Semitism in the Basic Law

Since the coronavirus pandemic, the associated conspiracy myths and the pogrom of 7 October 2023, antisemitism has posed a permanent challenge to the state. A major problem in the fight against antisemitism is not the lack of laws and state objectives, but the lack of law enforcement. For this reason, the office of the Federal Government Commissioner for Anti-Semitism should be replaced by that of the Bundestag Commissioner for Anti-Semitism, modelled on the Bundestag Commissioner for the Armed Forces and enshrined in the constitution.

Dr Angelika Günzel
May 19, 2025
Facts and Findings
Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

What Canada and Singapore teach us about promoting basic skills at an early age

High-quality early childhood education for equal opportunities and educational success

Early childhood education strengthens foundational competencies, promotes social participation and educational success, and generates high social returns. Canada and Singapore demonstrate how successful systems can emerge through mandatory educational plans, high quality standards, public funding, and targeted support for disadvantaged children. Germany should strategically expand early childhood education, introduce mandatory curricula, and strengthen quality development as well as evidence-based governance.

Prof. Anne Sliwka
May 7, 2025
Facts and Findings
KI-generiert mit Adobe Firefly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

CO₂ limits in the construction sector – an intervention justified by regulatory policy

A COâ‚‚ cap in construction as a supplement to COâ‚‚ pricing: reduce emissions, promote investment and create planning security

The construction sector is responsible for a significant portion of COâ‚‚ emissions, making it crucial to achieving climate goals. A building-specific COâ‚‚ cap, similar to those in France and Denmark, could provide clarity, encourage investments, and foster sustainable construction. This cap, which would be technology-neutral, could complement the emissions trading system and offer regulatory certainty. It would drive innovation and help meet climate targets while maintaining competitiveness in the sector.

Dr. Jan Cernicky, Jonathan Hild
April 29, 2025
Facts and Findings
KI-geniert mit Adobe Firefly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

AI Robotics as a Competitive Advantage

Reaching the Top with Intelligent Machines

AI-driven robots are a key competitive factor in the global economy. Germany is well-positioned in this field but must significantly expand its capabilities to play a leading role in the geoeconomic race. This requires simplified regulations, standardized frameworks, expanded sandboxes, a strong EU internal market, access to data, energy security, increased knowledge transfer from research to market, investment-stimulating incentives, and public acceptance.

Dr. Christian Hübner
March 18, 2025
Facts and Findings
Adobe Firefly/Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

High-Impact Tutoring: an effective lever for improving basic skills

How High-Impact Tutoring can strengthening basic skills and effectively combat the education crisis

Reading, writing and maths are essential, but many pupils do not achieve these skills sufficiently. High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) – intensive, evidence-based small group support – has proven to be an effective approach. Studies show significant learning gains. Germany should make greater use of this model, particularly as part of the Startchancen Programme, to systematically tackle educational deficits. HIT is presented here as the first of different approaches for strengthening basic skills.

Ekkehard Thümler
March 5, 2025
Facts and Findings
Adobe Stock / wahyu; generiert mit KI

Why an independent Digital Ministry is indispensable and how it could be structured

Shaping the Digital Future: One Size Does Not Fit All – The Urgent Need for a Dedicated Ministry for Digital Transformation

Establishing a Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation with clearly defined mandates would be a crucial step toward significantly increasing administrative efficiency and sustainably improving the state's interaction with citizens and businesses. A dedicated ministry would also play a key role in ensuring effective and harmonized data protection in the digitalization of public administration. It would create clear responsibilities while addressing citizens' loss of trust, as well as Germany’s reputation and competitiveness.

Dr Pencho Kuzev
February 26, 2025
Facts and Findings
Adobe Stock / BillionPhotos

Municipalities in (demographic) change – Strategies to reduce regional imbalances

What is the future of German municipalities in cities, rural areas, East and West?

Demographic change is increasing regional inequalities in Germany - rural areas in particular are struggling with migration, aging and economic challenges. While metropolitan areas continue to grow, structurally weak regions are threatened by a vicious circle of population decline and locational disadvantages. But how can this trend be reversed? The following article analyzes key location factors, recent studies, and innovative solutions for sustainable regional development.

Natalie Klauser
February 24, 2025
Facts and Findings

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About this series

The series informs in a concentrated form about important positions of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung on current topics. The individual issues present key findings and recommendations, offer brief analyses, explain the Foundation's further plans and name KAS contact persons.

 

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Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.