Global Scans · Germany · Weekly Summary

• [New] The Alternative for Germany will seek power in next year's state elections. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] Other European nations - such as France and Germany - have recently re-introduced some form of voluntary national service in response to the threat posed by Russia. BBC News
• [New] Output is expected to fall in key economies, including the US (-4.5% in 2026), Mexico (-1.1% in 2026), South Korea (-6.3% in 2026) and Germany, while Europe as a whole remains in troubled waters with shrinking margins, higher credit risk and only a modest production rebound in 2026. CIN
• [New] In a major boost to research on long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome, known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, the German government has announced that it will provide €500 million (US$ 582 million) in research funding to support a National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases from 2026 to 2036. Science for ME
• [New] Germany has already deployed its first operational Arrow 3 battery near Berlin and is expected to seek additional systems in coming years. Tel Aviv Diary
• [New] Despite falling energy prices, the overall outlook remains fragile as economists warn that Germany's era of robust growth has concluded. Marcellus Drilling News
• [New] Germany is asking wind farms to install their own radar to track planes and ships, amid warnings about the threat posed by Russia to maritime security in the Baltic Sea. Yahoo News UK
• [New] Europe should again see modest growth in 2026, with Germany rebounding while others go slow. forbesindia
• [New] Earlier this month, Germany launched a new police unit focused on drone defence, which is eventually expected to employ more than 130 officers. Space War
• [New] Flagship investments include Vulcan's lithium extraction project in Germany, supported by a €250 million European Investment Bank commitment, and Greenland Resources' molybdenum project, which could supply up to 25% of EU demand. New Energy Industrial Strategy (NEIS) Newsletter
• [New] Germany expects to spend 3.5% of GDP on Defence by 2029. GOV.UK
• [New] The Bundestag budget committee has approved a €52 billion ($61 billion) military expenditure package as Germany seeks to rapidly rearm in the face of the security threat posed by Russian aggression. Deutsche Welle
• [New] Germany, usually a champion of economic orthodoxy, sees the frozen assets plan as the best option and has pledged to provide one-quarter (€50bn) of needed guarantees for Belgium. The Guardian
• [New] Lyft, the American ride-hailing company, and Badoo, a Chinese technology and AI company, will partner together to launch robotaxis in Germany and the United Kingdom in 2026. Global Fleet
• [New] Germany will officially classify date rape drugs as weapons in prosecutions. Good Good Good
• [New] Germany's drone choice casts serious doubt on the future of the MAWS project, originally envisioned as a Franco-German successor to aging maritime patrol aircraft. Indian Defence Review
• [New] Once the repowering project is complete, the Boldecker Wind Farm will generate enough electricity to power up to 43,000 German households. Energies Media
• [New] Germany is expected to spend 3% of its GDP on defence in 2027, rising to NATO's target of 3.5% of GDP by 2029. Washington Examiner
• [New] Germany's defence budget is expected to increase to 2.8% of GDP in 2026, benefiting from a significant allocation pushed through by Merz. Washington Examiner
• [New] Europe's largest economy and most powerful political actor, Germany, is finally getting serious about Putin's threat. Washington Examiner
• [New] Geothermal power is an abundant energy source that can provide clean electricity and heat crucial for meeting net zero goals, and is expected to make up a sizable share of Germany's future heating needs. Insurance Journal
• [New] Insurer Munich Re and Germany's KfW Development Bank are introducing a state-backed program to mitigate the financial risk of geothermal drilling and encourage exploration for the renewable heat and power source. Insurance Journal

Last updated: 30 December 2025