Further publications

Die Bedeutung des WHO-Pandemieabkommens für wirtschaftliche Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz in Deutschland

Internationale Gesundheitspolitik ist längst zu einer Frage strategischer Weitsicht geworden. Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat verdeutlicht, wie fragil selbst hochentwickelte Gesundheits- und Wirtschaftssysteme sind – und wie sehr sie auf verlässliche internationale Kooperation angewiesen bleiben. Ein WHO-Pandemieabkommen bietet die Chance, zukünftige Krisen koordinierter zu bewältigen, globale Lieferketten zu stabilisieren und Investitionsanreize für Forschung und Innovation zu setzen. Deutschland steht an einem entscheidenden Punkt: Ein Abkommen kann die eigene Sicherheit stärken, wirtschaftliche Risiken minimieren und multilaterale Strukturen festigen. Der Moment, sich entschlossen für eine tragfähige Lösung einzusetzen, ist jetzt.

Special edition - Country reports with a difference

International comparison of accessibility

This publication provides research, compiled by some of our overseas offices, on the current situation of political participation for people with disabilities, in their respective countries. We hope that their reports will increase awareness of the sadly often persistent inequalities that remain and motivate all of us to pay greater heed to the issue of inclusion.

Consensus amid Chaos

Korean Parliament passes pension reform

On 20 March 2025 the Korean National Assembly passed a pension reform. This historic decision, which was passed by both major parties despite fierce political debate, ushers in a new chapter for the pension system after 18 years. Despite ongoing challenges, the course for solutions in the face of serious demographic developments is set. Above all, it provides a striking contrast to the enormous polarization that otherwise characterizes Korean politics and has led to the current crisis.

Forest and vegetation fires in Greece 2024

Challenges, Impact & International aid

The year 2024 in Greece was marked by numerous and devastating forest fires. This season once again represented a considerable burden for the Greek civil protection and civil protection as well as the fire brigades. The damage to the environment was high, although it should be noted that significantly less area was burned than in the previous year. The government's measures for early detection  fires, the equipment of fire brigades, the reduction of fire loads and the harsh penalties for arsonists seem to be having an effect.  This report analyses the main causes and effects of the fires in Greece, compares the figures with 2023, identifies the structures of civil protection and presents international aid and its possibilities for improvement. 

Elections in Greenland

A Clear Signal Towards Independence

Greenlanders have elected a new parliament. The clear winner of the election is the liberal Demokraatit party (Democrats) with its leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen. They won by a surprisingly clear margin against the current left-wing coalition government of Siumut ( Forwards) and Inuit Ataqatigiit (Community of the Inuit). Nielsen's party pursues a conservative tax policy, is considered economically liberal and wants to achieve independence from Denmark in a step-by-step fashion. The second strongest party is the nationalist protest party Naleraq (Point of orientation). It was the only party to call for a swift exit from the Danish kingdom and rapprochement with the USA during the election campaign. The upcoming coalition negotiations could prove difficult in view of foreign policy upheavals. Nielson, former Minister for Industry and Minerals, announced his intention to talk to all parties. A broad-based alliance between Inuit Ataqatigiit, the party of previous Prime Minister Múte B. Egede and possibly with the Siumut party could form a stable government.

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.

Broken alliance in Estonia

The collapse of the coalition government

On 10 March 2025, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced the reshuffle of the Estonian coalition by dismissing the Social Democratic Party (SDE) from the coalition government. After this decision, the "Reform Party" and "Estonia200" have only a narrow majority with 52 out of 101 seats in the Riigikogu (parliament).

Showdown in the Oval Office

US Opinions on the Future of Trump's Ukraine Policy

Relations between the USA and Ukraine hit a low point last week: In front of live television cameras, there was a confrontation in the Oval Office of the White House between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The result was a breakdown in talks and a pause in American aid to Ukraine.

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.

State crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina convicts the President of the Republika Srpska

On February 26, 2025, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) sentenced the President of the Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, to one year in prison (which, however, he can avoid by paying a fine) and imposed a six-year ban on political activity for disregarding decisions of the High Representative of the international community, Christian Schmidt. Dodik's reaction to the verdict has led Bosnia and Herzegovina into a state crisis.