The way out of Germany’s predicament lies in Europe Published: 15 May 2026 Presidents' column 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. Jan Philipp Albrecht
Electricity prices must fall! Published: 10 October 2025 President's column 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. Jan Philipp Albrecht
Heading: In favour of a multi-speed Europe Published: 7 July 2025 President's column 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. Jan Philipp Albrecht
Trump and big tech: Europe’s sovereignty at stake Published: 24 January 2025 Presidents’ column 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. Jan Philipp Albrecht
More good humour please! In praise of a politics of joy Published: 5 September 2024 President's column With fresh language and contagious good cheer, US presidential candidate Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party are generating new enthusiasm for their policies. Could that also catch on here in Germany? One thing is clear: without a positive atmosphere, democratic politics in the country will face an uphill battle. Jan Philipp Albrecht
Freedom, security and prosperity don‘t come for free Published: 14 May 2024 President's column Infrastructure deficiencies are paralysing Germany. But as a result of the Schuldenbremse (debt brake), urgently needed investments – including to boost climate protection – are to be postponed. This is both risky and economically short-sighted. Jan Philipp Albrecht
The debt brake must not become a brake on the future Published: 19 January 2024 President's column With the floods in northern Germany, the relaxation of the country’s debt brake is back on the agenda. But instead of always returning to the same debates, what is finally needed is sustainable reform. A new study shows what this could look like and sets out the options for financing climate protection over the short term. Jan Philipp Albrecht
Against the darkness Published: 9 November 2023 President's column These days it is easy to become pessimistic about social cohesion and the state of democracy. But the results of the recent Polish elections show that it pays to fight for democracy. Jan Philipp Albrecht