The German-African Economic Forum NRW focused primarily on market entry, skilled labor and sustainability – all forward-looking topics that regularly shape discussions on African-German cooperation. A high-ranking guest from Africa’s largest economy, however, was looking above all to build on the rich industrial heritage of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).

By Arne Schütte

Feature

March 6th, 2026

Rwanda: What US sanctions on the military mean for the UN and the EU

The US has imposed sanctions on the Rwandan military because, according to the Trump administration, it is fueling the war in eastern Congo. The move has consequences for both the United Nations and the European Union.

By Constantin Leclerc

Neues Kohlekraftwerk in Bijie, in der Provinz Guizhou, China.

Feature | China

March 6th, 2026

15th Five-Year Plan: China eases back on climate targets while pushing ahead with green tech

China has published the draft of its 15th Five-Year Plan. Its climate ambitions are lower than in the previous five-year period. At the same time, however, the People’s Republic wants to establish new green drivers of growth.

By Nico Beckert

Feature | EU climate target 2040

March 6th, 2026

Fair CO₂ budgets: How much Europe’s regions would still be allowed to emit

With the Council’s approval, the European Union’s climate target for 2040 has now been formally adopted. A study by the University of Graz shows how member states could distribute their contributions to emissions reduction across regions according to principles of fairness.

By Lukas Bayer

Feature | Defense

March 5th, 2026

Defense: Beijing increases military budget and toughens stance against Taiwan

At the start of the People’s Congress, China is taking a tougher stance toward Taiwan. However, the wave of purges in the military is raising questions about its combat readiness.

By Andreas Landwehr

Feature | China

March 5th, 2026

Climate: Beijing slows down on targets and pushes ahead with green tech

Ambitions for climate protection are lower than in the last five-year period. However, the People’s Republic wants to establish new green growth drivers.

By Nico Beckert

Feature | Trade

March 5th, 2026

IAA: Made “with” Europe – Yes, but...

After months of wrangling, the Commission has presented its “Lex China” aimed at defending European industry. The Industrial Accelerator Act involves trading partners, but leaves room for new negotiations.

By Manuel Berkel and Markus Grabitz

Feature | Iran

March 5th, 2026

Iran: How Mossad and the CIA aim to hasten the regime’s downfall

The US and Israel have notched up a number of tactical successes in the war against Iran so far. But the strategic objective of toppling the regime in Tehran still looks, at this stage, more like wishful thinking – despite extensive intelligence penetration.

By Yossi Melman

Feature | Critical infrastructure

March 5th, 2026

Health security: University hospitals urge German government to make a decision

In the event of a military conflict, university hospitals would be the key points of contact for the most seriously injured. But there are still no clear rules for coordinating and distributing patients.

By Lisa-Martina Klein