While the omnibus laws have eased restrictions on the environment, sustainability and digital issues, the Commission has not yet tackled social policy. In October 2025, the heads of state and government last called for the “agenda for simplification” to be advanced.
By Oliver Zander
Tariffs are supposed to enforce advantages, but in terms of game theory, they often lead to both sides losing in the end. Trump's strategy towards China triggers a classic “prisoner's dilemma” that damages the global economy and undermines rules such as those of the WTO.
By Koichi Hamada
Government-to-government deals are to be welcomed if they serve security policy interests, writes Max Mutschler. However, they would be problematic if they were only used to prop up production in Germany.
By Max Mutschler
Europe must stay the course toward a zero-emissions energy policy, regardless of pressure from the White House. Member states should present a united front against Donald Trump’s push to expand fossil fuels.
By Sean Casten
The waves of purges in China’s military are shaking the foundations of internal power distribution. With Zhang Youxia gone, the Central Military Commission loses a rationalizing center – raising strategic uncertainty internationally as well.
By Henning Glaser and Morten Strantzen
Food is increasingly being used as a weapon, write Benedetta Berti and Erin Sikorsky, members of the Munich Security Conference’s Food Security Task Force. NATO countries should therefore prepare for the targeted manipulation of food systems as a hybrid threat.
By Benedetta Berti and Erin Sikorsky
MERICS expert Jacob Gunter is calling for a rethink in Europe’s politics and business: Only determined investment and geopolitical course-setting can prevent further dependence on China.
By Jacob Gunter
Our “China Perspective” column is written by authors from the People’s Republic. This week it’s all about Chinese directors at the Berlinale – and how art, politics and adaptation shape their careers and films.
By Redaktion Table
In view of the war in Europe and geopolitical conflicts, security is a top priority. But security cannot be achieved by military means alone; we also need to make peace with nature.
By Jan-Niclas Gesenhues
Germany needs to be more ambitious when it comes to switching off copper wire and switching over to fiber optics. If we want to reach the Digital Networks Act target in 2035, we cannot wait until 2030.
By Michael Jungwirth
