The chemical industry is facing a historic crisis. The German government aims to counter this with its “Chemicals Agenda 2045.” However, even industry representatives caution against an overly narrow focus on emissions trading. Researchers have outlined eight proposals to drive the sector’s transformation.
By Nico Beckert
According to Table.Briefings, the German Ministry of Defense is planning an internal meeting on risks posed by US investors in the defense industry. At the same time, opposition parties are pushing back against the drone manufacturer Stark, which counts Peter Thiel among its investors.
By Wilhelmine Stenglin and Robert Wallenhauer
The US government has announced that it will provide financial support to sympathetic organizations in Europe. Marco Rubio’s visit, during which he endorsed the election of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, is in keeping with this approach – but there is resistance to this malign influence.
By Markus Grabitz and Stephan Israel
New Zealand intends to import liquefied natural gas to bolster its energy security. Critics, however, warn that the project could lock the country into fossil fuel use for years to come and increase its reliance on gas imports.
By Marc Daalder
The Year-of-the-Horse New Year Gala delivers a cascade of robot and AI performances. In a show of force, China’s state broadcaster invokes technological strength and pride in “made in China.”
By Leonardo Pape and Fabian Peltsch
A key implementing protocol for the methane regulation appears close to completion. It was developed by US researchers and is expected to be presented to the European Commission and member states in the coming weeks.
By Manuel Berkel
Emmanuel Macron plans to update France’s nuclear doctrine as early as March and to continue the strategic dialogue with Germany and smaller EU member states on potential participation in the French nuclear umbrella. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is not alone in expressing skepticism about this initiative.
By Gabriel Bub and Wilhelmine Stenglin
Defense-industrial cooperation was one of the central themes of the Munich Security Conference (MSC). Against this backdrop, NATO’s 2026 accelerator program is set to reach record participation levels, while cooperation with Germany is being further expanded.
By Katharina Horban
Panels and side events at the Munich Security Conference underscore a clear trend: hybrid threats and the resilience of the state, the economy and society are moving to the forefront of the security agenda. Participants are also examining scenarios involving chemical, biological and radiological risks.
By Lisa-Martina Klein
Washington underscores its leadership claim, Berlin remains skeptical, Kyiv issues warnings and Beijing strikes a conciliatory tone – speeches by senior officials reflect the accelerating fragmentation of the global order.
By Lisa-Martina Klein, Angela Köckritz and Viktor Funk
