About: Olaf Scholz
Germany, Denmark, Netherlands and Belgium sign €135 billion offshore wind pact
Heads of government from the North Sea countries gathered in Esbjerg to sign a cooperation agreement on offshore wind development and “green” hydrogen. They will target at least 65 GW by 2030 and 150 GW by 2050.
Europe’s new leaders are coming from the periphery
The construction of a new European architecture is underway, built around the point of relations with Russia - and new European leaders are shaping a new form, one we will live in and observe for decades to come, writes Orhan Dragaš.
Border changes? Germany takes position against ‘diktat peace’ in Ukraine
Russia will not get away with trying to redraw Ukraine's borders by creating facts on the ground, German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on 16 May, insisting that the West would not stand for a "diktat," forced on the country.
Ukraine wages counteroffensive against Russian forces in east
Ukrainian forces have launched a counteroffensive near the Russian-held town of Izium in eastern Ukraine, a regional governor said on Saturday (14 May), in what could prove a serious setback for Moscow's plans to capture the entire Donbas region.
Scholz to face major litmus test in elections of largest German state
On Sunday, 15 May, voters in the largest German state, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), will head to the polls. The results in the 17 million inhabitant state will be the first time that Chancellor Olaf Scholz is being judged by voters.
German foreign minister calls for prosecution of war criminals during Ukraine visit
German Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock travelled to Kyiv on Tuesday (10 May) as the first minister of Scholz’s cabinet, where she demanded that the “war crimes and the crimes against humanity” be investigated.
Scholz and Macron to reignite Franco-German engine on EU-integration
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to intensify the Franco-German tandem and to lead Europe on a path of reform to enable a stronger and more sovereign EU.
Germany calls for Western Balkan enlargement, abolition of unanimity
Germany wants to use the Conference on the Future of Europe as a starting point to further develop the EU, possibly change treaties and abolish unanimity decision-making for EU foreign policy matters.
Zelenskyy ends diplomatic row with Germany over Steinmeier disinvitation
After Ukrainian authorities said in mid-April that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was not welcome in Ukraine over his alleged ties to Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reconciled his differences with Steinmeier in a phone call on Thursday.
Public opinion crumbles over German war support to Ukraine
Multiple open letters urging the German government to pressure Ukraine into a compromise with Vladimir Putin are gathering support in the country, with high-ranking politicians backing the call. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian civil society has called the move “disturbing.”
Ukrainian ambassador tells Scholz ‘war is not a kindergarten’
After German chancellor Scholz announced on Monday that he will not visit Ukraine as Kyiv did not welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier over his alleged close ties to Russia, the Ukrainian ambassador backfired.
Germany pushes for closer ties with India amid Ukraine war
Germany announced on Monday (2 May) to strengthen the bilateral ties with India in a bid to support the effort of the EU to relaunch the relationship with New Delhi and to increase cooperation with "like-minded" states.
Ukraine on agenda as Indian PM Modi visits Europe
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Europe on Monday (2 May) with New Delhi's refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine set to be a key talking point in meetings with regional leaders.
Macron’s re-election could reduce Germany’s influence in Europe
The re-election of French President Emmanuel Macron has strengthened his vision of a sovereign Europe and could also reduce Germany's potential for political leadership within the EU.
Delivery of heavy weapons no longer ‘taboo’, foreign minister says
With German chancellor Olaf Scholz increasingly caught in a crossfire over his hesitancy to assist Ukraine, foreign minister Annalena Baerbock stressed on Wednesday (20 April) that the shipment of heavy weaponry would now be on the table.
Leaders of Poland and Baltic states in Kyiv to discuss military assistance
The presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia arrived in Kyiv to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and discuss military assistance, while Russia warned that vehicles transporting weapons on Ukrainian territory would be considered as legitimate military targets.
Putin visit: Austrian Chancellor urges investigation of war crimes
During a visit to the Kremlin, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer urged Putin to investigate war crimes in Ukraine and establish humanitarian corridors, but the proposals were not well recieved.
Putin backtracks on demand that gas is paid for with roubles
During a call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pulled back on demanding that gas deliveries be paid in roubles, sparking criticism from Ukraine.
G7 leaders agree on no new sanctions, want to close loopholes
Leaders of the world's most developed nations agreed on Thursday (24 March) to work together on implementing the sanctions currently in force against Russia so that they cannot be circumvented through evasive actions by Russian entities, but did not agree on any new sanctions against Moscow.
Germany signs initial contract to build first LNG terminal
The German state bank KfW and the Dutch utility Gasunie have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the construction of the first LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel, Germany.
Russia’s war in Ukraine triggers U-turn in Germany’s foreign policy thinking
The German government has broken with its long-standing tradition of its foreign and security policy that was rooted in ‘peace’ diplomacy and reserved defence spending and termed the Ukraine war to be a “turning point” in its policy approach.
Germany considers keeping nuclear power plants online
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the German government is examining every option to keep the country warm and reduce its energy dependence on Russia. Keeping nuclear power plants online is being examined, but may be unlikely.
Germany boosts defence spending in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine
Germany will establish a special defence fund worth €100 billion to increase the country's military’s operational capabilities after years of neglect, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Sunday (27 February), in what could be seen as a major shift in Berlin's defence spending.