Presidents' column

When the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan five years ago, the EU set out conditions for engagement, but the prospect of them being fulfilled is more remote than ever. Nevertheless, ties are growing closer.

Since Germany’s last federal election in 2025, its centrist parties have lost large numbers of voters to the fringes – particularly to the Right. At the same time, the Greens have also regained ground. A new study gives clues as to how a centre-left political platform can secure a strong governing majority.

Those who pit security against international cooperation will ultimately end up with neither. Current conflicts demonstrate why energy sovereignty, climate protection, and cooperation go hand in hand.

Friedrich Merz’s popularity is plummeting, and Germany’s ruling parties are fighting for survival. But now isn’t the time to focus on the fate of individuals and political groupings: Europe needs to be made fit for its new geopolitical reality.

Levies, charges, and taxes make electricity expensive – and hinder the switch to the climate-friendly, electricity-based alternatives that we urgently need. Yet many companies and consumers have long been ready to make the change. The technology is already available, often from German manufacturers, who have been waiting for years for a market breakthrough. Instead, Katherina Reiche's reckless wrong-way drive continues unabated.

Today, a united Europe no longer means everyone at the same time. On key issues such as defence, digitalisation, and key technologies, alliances of the willing are needed – both within and beyond the EU.

The EU still has strong rules for the major digital platforms. However, under Donald Trump and his allies - above all powerful tech CEOs such as Musk and Zuckerberg - the USA is becoming an open opponent of these regulations. 

Climate and species protection is indispensable – and costs money. Germany must not shirk its responsibilities in these areas by invoking the debt brake. Sources of financing are available – the next federal government should use them.