During the election campaign, the CDU/CSU criticized Robert Habeck’s climate protection agreements. Now, Economics Minister Katherina Reiche is continuing the instrument after all – albeit with a different focus.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
The new organizational chart of Minister Katherina Reiche’s (CDU) office reveals something about the security policy priorities.
By Gabriel Bub
The Ministry of Economics in Berlin, officially known as the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK), is a central institution in the German government. It plays a crucial role in shaping the country's economic and climate policy. The following article provides a comprehensive overview of the BMWK's tasks, structure and current leadership, as well as some of the most important current issues affecting the ministry. Read the latest news on the Ministry of Economic Affairs from the Table.Briefings editorial team! Who is the Minister of Economic Affairs? The current Minister of Economic Affairs is Robert Habeck, a prominent member of the Alliance 90/The Greens party. Since his appointment as Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection in December 2021, Habeck has taken on a key role in German politics, particularly in the areas of energy policy and climate protection. Tasks and responsibilities of the BMWK What does the BMWK do? The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) is responsible for a wide range of tasks that go far beyond traditional economic policy. These include Who sits in the Ministry of Economic Affairs? The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Berlin is led by a team of highly qualified experts, including the Minister, State Secretaries and numerous department heads. Robert Habeck is at the head of the ministry, supported by several state secretaries who are responsible for specific areas such as energy, climate protection and economic policy. Patrick Graichen was one of the state secretaries in the Ministry of Economic Affairs until May 2023 and a key figure in energy transition policy. Who will succeed Graichen? Following Graichen's resignation, the position is still vacant and there is speculation as to who will succeed him. How many employees does the Ministry of Economic Affairs have in Germany? The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Germany employs around 2,000 people who work in various departments and divisions. These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing the ministry's policies and programs. The structure of the ministry includes various departments that focus on specific subject areas such as energy policy, climate protection, innovation and foreign trade. Responsibilities at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Berlin Who is responsible for the economy in Germany? The Minister of Economic Affairs is responsible for managing and coordinating the Ministry's economic and climate policy strategies. He represents Germany in international economic and climate negotiations, coordinates national economic plans and works closely with other ministries, companies and international organizations. Which authorities belong to the BMWK? Several authorities and institutions report to the BMWK or work closely with it. These include the Federal Network Agency, which is responsible for regulating the electricity and gas networks, and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) is also an important authority that administers programs to promote renewable energies and implement export controls. News from the Ministry of Economic Affairs: Building Energy Act and energy transition The Building Energy Act (GEG): One of the most significant current issues affecting the Ministry of Economic Affairs is the new Heating Act. This law aims to reduce the use of fossil fuels in heating systems and promote the use of renewable energies. It is a central component of Germany's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve its climate targets. The Heating Act has led to intense political debate as it has a significant impact on homeowners and the construction industry. Economy and climate protection in Germany: The Ministry of Economics in Berlin plays a crucial role in promoting the energy transition in Germany. The energy transition is the German government's ambitious project to shape the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy supply. This includes expanding renewable energies such as wind and solar power, improving energy efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions. International relations and trade: The Ministry of Economic Affairs also plays a key role in shaping Germany's foreign trade policy. This includes promoting international trade, supporting German companies abroad and strengthening economic relations with other countries. The BMWK is working to position Germany as a strong and reliable trading partner. Future prospects: The work of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Berlin is crucial for Germany's future. With challenges such as climate change, digitalization and global economic uncertainty, the BMWK has a central role in shaping the country's political and economic framework. Modernizing the energy infrastructure, promoting innovation and supporting the economy are key tasks that the ministry will continue to drive forward in the coming years. Conclusion and outlook The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Berlin, headed by Robert Habeck, is an important agency of the German government. With a wide range of tasks ranging from economic policy and the energy transition to international trade policy, the BMWK plays a decisive role in shaping Germany's future. The support of highly qualified staff and cooperation with key authorities and institutions ensure that the ministry is in a position to successfully master the economic and climate policy challenges of the 21st century. The Table.Briefings editorial team reports on how things are progressing with the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Berlin and has all the news, analyses and background information on this topic.
