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IMAGO / epd

A defiant church? The new Protestant peace ethic at the turn of the century

The Protestant Church commits to a new pragmatism in security policy – an important step for the success of the turning point

For years, the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) has presented an ambivalent image when it comes to security policy. On the one hand, Easter marches and uncompromising pacifism shape the thinking of many church members. On the other hand, Protestant clergy are involved in military chaplaincy in the German armed forces and accompany soldiers on missions abroad.

Martin Bieber
December 4, 2025
kurzum
smarterpics / Sonulkaster

Securing academic freedom for the long term

Establish a national contact point for research safety in the short term

Research safety in international collaborations has been the subject of intense debate since well before the publication of the German Science Council's recommendations on research safety in May 2025. Until a few years ago, these collaborations were generally viewed positively, as internationality in research is considered a driver of knowledge and the gold standard. However, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the risks of international collaborations have increasingly come into focus.

Christina Thelen
December 4, 2025
kurzum
Adobe Stock / gfxshakib2023

Short-term savings options in the statutory pension insurance scheme

The sustainability factor and early retirement regulations belong on the political agenda

Before the launch of the pension commission provided for in the coalition agreement, the respective positions are far apart. On the one hand, there are calls for savings, while on the other hand, any reduction in benefits is rejected. A necessary major pension reform that also addresses issues such as pensions, the retirement age and contribution levels should remain the goal, but this seems very ambitious in the short term. However, in order to make progress towards major reforms, there are at least two elements that should be politically feasible in the short term.

Dr. Jan Cernicky
September 18, 2025
kurzum
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

The EU-US customs deal: Better than its reputation!

For European consumers, the decision not to impose retaliatory tariffs is good news!

Despite all the justified criticism of the tariffs agreement between the EU and the US, one aspect is being overlooked in the heated debate: European retaliatory tariffs on US imports would have led to rising prices and poorer choice for European consumers. Companies that rely on intermediate products from abroad would also be burdened by European retaliatory tariffs.

Gunter Rieck Moncayo
August 5, 2025
kurzum
Adobe Stock / kaliel

Do not rely on deceptive energy security!

Energy policy consequences of the Iran-Israel war for Germany

The conflict between Iran and Israel reveals Germany's continuing vulnerability in terms of energy supply. Despite progress in infrastructure and diversification, dependence on global markets remains a risk. Decisive action is needed now - for lower energy prices, resilient supply chains and a secure, economically viable energy transition.

Dr. Christian Hübner, Laura Philipps
June 26, 2025
kurzum
Adobe-Stock

Principles of German Foreign Policy

Impulses from the Young Foreign Policy Working Group

In the midst of global upheavals and growing uncertainties, a sustainable German for-eign policy needs groundbreaking principles. The Young Foreign Policy Working Group provides some impetus for value-based and at the same time interest-led foreign policy action – with a strategic focus on European sovereignty, multilateral capacity to act and a clear anchoring in Western alliances.

Ferdinand Alexander Gehringer
June 8, 2025
kurzum
Adobe Stock / pressmaster

Back to integration policy?

The coalition agreement hints at shifts in emphasis that have received little attention

‘Secure coexistence, migration and integration’ – this heading summarises the course announced in the coalition agreement in just under four pages. While the media focus has so far been primarily on the so-called ‘migration turnaround’, integration policy has received little attention. However, the coalition agreement also sets a new course in this area and suggests a departure from key elements of the Ampel's integration policy.

Dr. Franziska Rinke
May 7, 2025
kurzum
Adobe Stock/ Nataliya

The Value of Global Health

Why Germany's strong commitment is worthwhile

The declared withdrawal of the USA is a hard blow to the World Health Organisation. The freezing of US development aid is even more serious. It poses an acute threat to millions of people who are now cut off from medicines, medical care and preventive measures. As the second largest donor, Germany is now expected to assume greater responsibility. It will not be able to close the gap left by the USA, especially as budget funds are becoming scarcer. So what are the arguments in favour of Germany's strong commitment to global health?

Lukas Lingenthal
February 25, 2025
kurzum
IMAGO / NurPhoto

South America is burning

South America has been experiencing one of the driest years for a long time

Rivers are reaching historic lows and devastating forest fires are keeping the subcontinent in their grip.

Julia Sandner
October 10, 2024
kurzum
Imago / ZUMA Press Wire

Nairobi: Storming of the Parliament

The Republic of Kenya in Turmoil

The protests against the planned tax increases in Kenya escalated on Tuesday when demonstrators stormed the parliament in Nairobi. Among other things, the governor's office was set on fire and numerous politicians had to be evacuated. The riots have already resulted in several deaths.

Jan-Ole Voß, Laurence Jost
June 26, 2024
kurzum

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About this series

Concise, reduced to the essentials, but always highly topical. In our series “in short”, our experts summarise an issue or problem on a maximum of two pages.