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The Franco-German Ministerial Council amid an unpredictable ‘rentrée politique’ in France

How the Franco-German engine is supposed to run without French fuel

On Friday, 29 August 2025, German and French cabinet members gathered in Toulon for the 25th Franco-German Ministerial Council. The meeting was kicked off the evening before with a joint dinner between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron at the latter's summer residence in Fort Brégançon. Since Friedrich Merz took office, Franco-German coordination has gained noticeable momentum, both symbolically and in terms of content. This is an important signal with regard to the numerous challenges both countries are facing. International and European crises such as the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the war in Ukraine and bilateral cooperation in the field of defence are currently shaping relations between Berlin and Paris. The results and announcements of the Council of Ministers have further concretised the coordination of content. At the same time, the meeting comes at a time of political uncertainty in France. The vote of no confidence announced for 8 September, initiated by Prime Minister François Bayrou, will be decisive in determining whether the joint priorities can be implemented in the short and medium term. Time is pressing: forecasts indicate that the political window of opportunity for substantial Franco-German initiatives at the bilateral, European, and international levels could close by the 2027 when French presidential election will take place – but possibly even sooner as a result of early elections.

Anja Czymmeck, Max Willem Fricke
September 2, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Bihlmayerfotografie

Thank you for your service! – Levers for a Combat-Ready Bundeswehr

How can defence be ‘de-socialised’?

Personnel shortages, outdated equipment, and an over-civilianized force are undermining Germany’s ability to defend itself. The Bundeswehr needs more than money: structural reforms, a renewed military mindset, and societal support are essential. Measures such as a mandatory “Bundeswehr Week”, employer incentives for reservists, a shift back to core military tasks, and a Combat Readiness Score aim to make Germany’s military capable of fighting – before it's too late.

Jakob Kullik, Benedikt Meng, Vanessa Vohs
August 27, 2025
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / Xinhua

Government formation in Lithuania

New power alliance with fragile foundations

Following the resignation of Prime Minister Gintaras Paluckas, there has been a change of coalition in Lithuania: The Democrats (“Vardan Lietuvos”) have left the government and have been replaced by the parliamentary group “Faction of Lithuanian Farmers, Greens and Christian Families Union.” The party “Nemuno Aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) remains controversial, as it remains part of the coalition despite massive protests. The new prime minister is Inga Ruginienė, a trade unionist and political newcomer who is considered by many to be a weak choice. The central strategic goals—defense and European policy—will continue despite the change of government. However, it is questionable whether the coalition will survive the entire legislative period.

Oliver Morwinsky, Fausta Šimaitytė
August 27, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Dreamstime

Power in Progress

Enhancing Female Leadership in Governance Processes in Kenya

An analysis of structural, institutional and cultural barriers for female participation in leadership positions, as well as the strategic importance for strengthening it. The analysis will draw on examples from Nairobi and Kitui County.

Chiara Altmann
August 22, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Reactions to US President Trump's peace efforts for Ukraine

Momentum — but toward what end?

One of President Donald Trump's campaign promises was a quick end to the war in Ukraine. After months of mixed signals about what such a solution might entail, Trump met first with Russian President Vladimir Putin, then with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European heads of state and government.

Dr. Hardy Ostry, Jan Bösche
August 21, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Anadolu Agency

Bolivia votes socialism out of office

Historic election brings clear paradigm shift

“Capitalism for all!” - With this slogan, Rodrigo Paz achieved a surprise victory in the first round of the presidential elections in Bolivia, which had been ruled by socialists for almost 20 years. He will face off against fellow opposition candidate and economic liberal “Tuto” Quiroga in a runoff election on October 19. The centre-right opposition also won a landslide victory in parliament: the long-standing ruling party MAS will practically no longer be represented there. Meanwhile, former President Evo Morales is manifesting himself as extra-parliamentary resistance, having been significantly more successful with his call for invalid votes than the various left-wing candidates at the polls.

Dr. Christina Stolte
August 19, 2025
Country reports
stock.adobe.com/A2Z AI

India's importance for Germany's science and innovation

From Bangalore to Berlin: Indian students strengthen STEM fields and contribute to securing skilled labor

India is becoming increasingly important to Germany as a geopolitical partner and hub of innovation, especially due to its young population, strong economic growth, and technological progress. With around 50,000 individuals, Indian students form the largest international group in Germany, particularly in STEM fields. Many stay after graduation and work in highly skilled professions. To better harness their potential, more English-language degree programs, faster visa processes, affordable housing, language support, practical training opportunities, and strong integration networks are needed.

Jan Wöpking, Felise Maennig-Fortmann
August 11, 2025
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / UPI Photo

Historic Breakthrough for Peace in the South Caucasus?

Pashinyan and Aliyev sign groundbreaking agreements with Trump on peace and infrastructure projects between Armenia and Azerbaijan

On August 8, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House for a “historic peace summit.” Both countries declared a permanent renunciation of war, endorsed 17 negotiated provisions of a future peace treaty, and formally withdrew from the OSCE Minsk Group. At the heart of the agreement lies the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), an infrastructure initiative in Armenia’s Syunik region encompassing railways, pipelines, and fiber-optic networks. In exchange, the United States receives exclusive development rights for 99 years, while Armenia retains formal sovereignty over the territory. The deal diminishes Russia’s regional influence, strengthens Turkey’s strategic position, and provokes discontent in Iran. For Armenia, the agreement opens up new trade opportunities but also entails risks due to the rupture with traditional partners and domestic political criticism. Azerbaijan gains a direct land corridor to Turkey, access to new markets, and enhanced international prestige. For the United States, the deal offers economic and security benefits as well as a boost in global political standing. The European Union sees potential for regional stabilization and new trade routes but must acknowledge its diminished role as a mediator compared to Washington. If successfully implemented, the agreements could mark a historic turning point for the South Caucasus.

Jakob Wöllenstein
August 11, 2025
Country reports
UN Photo/Manuel Elías

The Future of Sustainable Development in Flux

As the global development landscape reorganizes, multilateral cooperation must remain at its core

One decade after their adoption, the Sustainable Development Goals remain off track amid growing insecurity, dwindling financial commitment, and eroding trust in multilateralism. As time runs out for the 2030 Agenda, can the international community meet the moment with the urgency and unity needed?

Thomas Tödtling, Teresa Val
August 6, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Eibner

Climate policy-motivated sabotage – Extreme forms of action in the name of the climate

How left-wing extremist forms of action are increasingly expanding their thematic focus to include the climate crisis

Climate protection is being exploited in some cases for acts of extremist sabotage. Left-wing extremist groups use violence to target infrastructure, businesses and government institutions. This article analyses three categories of action and highlights international networks – such as the transnational Switch Off network. Also it provides detailed recommendations for politicians, security authorities, academics and civil society on how to protect legitimate protest and effectively counter further radicalisation.

Felix Neumann
August 4, 2025
Facts and Findings

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