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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
Laura Hasani

No clear winner in the parliamentary elections in Kosovo: Forming a government will be complicated

Albin Kurti's Vetëvendosje movement becomes the strongest force without an absolute majority

The parliamentary elections held on February 9, 2025 were the first elections since independence to be held on the regular election date. However, the current election result without a clear winner may herald another phase of political instability with early elections. Although Prime Minister Albin Kurti's left-wing nationalist Vetëvendosje was by far the strongest party, it will in all likelihood need a partner to form a government. However, a governing alliance against Albin Kurti from the next three strongest parties would also be possible. Both options would face political challenges, as the local elections to be held in the fall and the presidential elections to be held in March 2026 are political breaking points for a future government.

Daniel Braun, Granit Ternava
February 20, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / APAimages

Regional Implications of the Fall of Assad

How do Jordan and Iraq React?

The capture of Damascus by rebel groups led by the Islamist HTS militia ended more than five decades of the Assad regime’s rule. Amman and Baghdad view the new rulers with scepticism, fearing Syria’s destabilization and fragmentation. However, Jordan also sees an opportunity to foster constructive neighbourly relations. In Iraq, mistrust of Syrian interim president Ahmad Sharaa runs deep. Nevertheless, a pragmatic approach toward the new leadership is emerging - one that should ideally be embedded regionally and internationally.

Dr. Edmund Ratka, Layan Ounis
February 18, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Björn Trotzki

China at the Munich Security Conference

More than just a short-term PR success for Beijing?

China was able to score diplomatic points at the 61st Munich Security Conference, according to observers – especially in contrast to the behavior of the USA. "Wang Yi appeared to be the only adult in the room," noted Table.Media, and Bayerischer Rundfunk reported on "China's charm offensive." But how is the appearance of the Chinese top diplomat discussed in China's media, and what conclusions are being drawn from the openly revealed differences between the USA and Europe in China's capital?

Johann C. Fuhrmann
February 18, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Middle East Images

Canada faces the threat of a trade war with the U.S. in this election year!

The EU and Canada should respond more strongly together.

The punitive tariffs threatened by U.S. President Trump against Canada and Mexico have only been postponed, not canceled. There will be losers on both sides – not just in the U.S. and Canada, but also in Europe. Canada and the EU are already preparing effective countermeasures. As in 2018, the EU is once again focusing on trade with the U.S. The CETA agreement could serve as a suitable and joint protective shield for both partners. The ongoing election campaign in Canada is unexpectedly being pushed in a new direction as a result.

Dr. Bernd Althusmann
February 18, 2025
Country reports
Addisou Deresse

From Paralysis to Progress? Who will be the new face of the African Union?

A portrait of the candidates for the chairmanship of the AU Commission

The African heads of state will elect a new leadership on February 15th and 16th. Will the new chairman of the African Union Commission be able to tackle existing challenges that have been paralyzing the efficiency of the Union? Who are the candidates for the most powerful position within the AU and what do they stand for? Martino Faccenda and Lukas Kupfernagel have been taking a look behind the scenes to unpack the candidates and potential implications for the future EU-AU relations.

Lukas Kupfernagel, Martino Faccenda
February 11, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Everett Collection

Albania and religion – a globally unique case

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation commissioned a study on religious issues.

Albania is the only country in the world where religion has ever been banned by law. For nearly a quarter of a century, the communist dictator Enver Hoxha waged a war against religion. From 1967 until 1990, religious institutions were closed, the practice of religious rites was banned, and the mere expression of religious beliefs was considered a crime against the state. The latter was specifically included in an article of the penal code, which prescribed a prison sentence of three to ten years.

Dr. Thomas Kunze, Flora Roberg
February 11, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Herrmann Agenturfotografie

Rule of law in South-East Europe: Highlights in 2024

A review of developments in South-East Europe over the past year

In South-East Europe, some countries have made progress in the rule of law over the past year, while others have also experienced setbacks, which illustrates the many challenges in the region. The latest Rule of Law Index from the World Justice Project (WJP), among others, shows a mixed picture: Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Montenegro are characterised by improved scores, particularly in the fight against corruption. North Macedonia also recorded an increase in its overall score, which indicates positive developments in various areas. Croatia and Serbia, on the other hand, saw a decline in their rule of law scores, in particular due to the restriction of fundamental rights and the faltering fight against corruption. On their way into the European Union (EU), the candidate countries showed a commitment to harmonising with EU standards, but persistent problems in the judiciary, difficulties in the fight against corruption and political instability hindered development. The three South-East European EU member states faced similar challenges. Political polarisation, the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary and interference in media and press freedom remain a challenge in all South-East European countries.

Dr. Pavel Usvatov, Dr. Mahir Muharemović, Alina Monceanu
February 10, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Agencia Prensa-Independiente

No Clear Winner in Ecuador's Elections

Political Polarization Persists Ahead of Runoff

After the election is before the election – this could describe the political situation in Ecuador after the tight first round of the presidential election. President Daniel Noboa and his left-populist challenger Luisa González will face off once again on April 13, 2025, in an open runoff. In particular, two fundamentally opposing political projects are up for decision, not least in foreign policy. Whereas a Noboa government would further align Ecuador with the west, a victory for Luisa González would mean a strengthened alliance with the region´s left-wing regimes as well as with Russia and China.

Johannes Hügel
February 10, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / NurPhoto

Georgian Knot: Local Repressions and International Isolation

For weeks, Georgia has been caught in a destructive cycle of protests and repression, isolating the country on the international stage.

Even after nearly 70 days of continuous protests, the de facto government of Georgia—controlled by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili—remains unyielding. However, instead of the brutal crackdowns seen at the start of the demonstrations, authorities are now resorting to targeted intimidation and repression against individuals. The cases of Msia Amaghlobeli and Giorgi Gacharia starkly illustrate how the rule of law in Georgia has collapsed in recent months. Internationally, the country is increasingly isolated. Recent diplomatic visits by the new government leadership to neighboring Azerbaijan and Armenia highlight that Georgia’s path to Europe remains blocked under the rule of the Georgian Dream party.

Stephan Malerius, Florian Binder
February 5, 2025
Country reports

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