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IMAGO / MediaPunch

Showdown in the Oval Office

US Opinions on the Future of Trump's Ukraine Policy

Relations between the USA and Ukraine hit a low point last week: In front of live television cameras, there was a confrontation in the Oval Office of the White House between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The result was a breakdown in talks and a pause in American aid to Ukraine.

Dr. Hardy Ostry, Jan Bösche
March 6, 2025
Country reports
Adobe Firefly/Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

High-Impact Tutoring: an effective lever for improving basic skills

How High-Impact Tutoring can strengthening basic skills and effectively combat the education crisis

Reading, writing and maths are essential, but many pupils do not achieve these skills sufficiently. High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) – intensive, evidence-based small group support – has proven to be an effective approach. Studies show significant learning gains. Germany should make greater use of this model, particularly as part of the Startchancen Programme, to systematically tackle educational deficits. HIT is presented here as the first of different approaches for strengthening basic skills.

Ekkehard Thümler
March 5, 2025
Facts and Findings
PantherMedia / Yarr65

State crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina convicts the President of the Republika Srpska

On February 26, 2025, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) sentenced the President of the Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, to one year in prison (which, however, he can avoid by paying a fine) and imposed a six-year ban on political activity for disregarding decisions of the High Representative of the international community, Christian Schmidt. Dodik's reaction to the verdict has led Bosnia and Herzegovina into a state crisis.

Stephan Georg Raabe
March 3, 2025
Country reports
Adobe Stock / wahyu; generiert mit KI

Why an independent Digital Ministry is indispensable and how it could be structured

Shaping the Digital Future: One Size Does Not Fit All – The Urgent Need for a Dedicated Ministry for Digital Transformation

Establishing a Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation with clearly defined mandates would be a crucial step toward significantly increasing administrative efficiency and sustainably improving the state's interaction with citizens and businesses. A dedicated ministry would also play a key role in ensuring effective and harmonized data protection in the digitalization of public administration. It would create clear responsibilities while addressing citizens' loss of trust, as well as Germany’s reputation and competitiveness.

Dr Pencho Kuzev
February 26, 2025
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / Zoonar

Bundestag election 2025: France hopes for policy change in Germany

The rise of right-wing populists, influence from Russia and the USA as well as policy changes in the area of security and defence are the focus of election reporting.

Germany has voted and until the election day on 23 February 2025, interest in the federal elections in France was rather low. Current domestic political tensions in France, the fragile French government and economic policy challenges pushed the question of a new government and parliamentary majorities in the country's most important European partner into the background. The acceleration of geopolitical challenges in recent days, particularly with regard to American positions expressed at the Munich Security Conference, for example, then led to increased scrutiny of the elections. The prospect of an expected change in policy following the victory of the CDU/CSU with Friedrich Merz in the defence and security policy area was greeted with relief by the French government majority.

Anja Czymmeck, Nele Katharina Wissmann
February 25, 2025
Country reports
Adobe Stock / BillionPhotos

Municipalities in (demographic) change – Strategies to reduce regional imbalances

What is the future of German municipalities in cities, rural areas, East and West?

Demographic change is increasing regional inequalities in Germany - rural areas in particular are struggling with migration, aging and economic challenges. While metropolitan areas continue to grow, structurally weak regions are threatened by a vicious circle of population decline and locational disadvantages. But how can this trend be reversed? The following article analyzes key location factors, recent studies, and innovative solutions for sustainable regional development.

Natalie Klauser
February 24, 2025
Facts and Findings
Laura Hasani

No clear winner in the parliamentary elections in Kosovo: Forming a government will be complicated

Albin Kurti's Vetëvendosje movement becomes the strongest force without an absolute majority

The parliamentary elections held on February 9, 2025 were the first elections since independence to be held on the regular election date. However, the current election result without a clear winner may herald another phase of political instability with early elections. Although Prime Minister Albin Kurti's left-wing nationalist Vetëvendosje was by far the strongest party, it will in all likelihood need a partner to form a government. However, a governing alliance against Albin Kurti from the next three strongest parties would also be possible. Both options would face political challenges, as the local elections to be held in the fall and the presidential elections to be held in March 2026 are political breaking points for a future government.

Daniel Braun, Granit Ternava
February 20, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / APAimages

Regional Implications of the Fall of Assad

How do Jordan and Iraq React?

The capture of Damascus by rebel groups led by the Islamist HTS militia ended more than five decades of the Assad regime’s rule. Amman and Baghdad view the new rulers with scepticism, fearing Syria’s destabilization and fragmentation. However, Jordan also sees an opportunity to foster constructive neighbourly relations. In Iraq, mistrust of Syrian interim president Ahmad Sharaa runs deep. Nevertheless, a pragmatic approach toward the new leadership is emerging - one that should ideally be embedded regionally and internationally.

Dr. Edmund Ratka, Layan Ounis
February 18, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Björn Trotzki

China at the Munich Security Conference

More than just a short-term PR success for Beijing?

China was able to score diplomatic points at the 61st Munich Security Conference, according to observers – especially in contrast to the behavior of the USA. "Wang Yi appeared to be the only adult in the room," noted Table.Media, and Bayerischer Rundfunk reported on "China's charm offensive." But how is the appearance of the Chinese top diplomat discussed in China's media, and what conclusions are being drawn from the openly revealed differences between the USA and Europe in China's capital?

Johann C. Fuhrmann
February 18, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Middle East Images

Canada faces the threat of a trade war with the U.S. in this election year!

The EU and Canada should respond more strongly together.

The punitive tariffs threatened by U.S. President Trump against Canada and Mexico have only been postponed, not canceled. There will be losers on both sides – not just in the U.S. and Canada, but also in Europe. Canada and the EU are already preparing effective countermeasures. As in 2018, the EU is once again focusing on trade with the U.S. The CETA agreement could serve as a suitable and joint protective shield for both partners. The ongoing election campaign in Canada is unexpectedly being pushed in a new direction as a result.

Dr. Bernd Althusmann
February 18, 2025
Country reports
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