About: Peter Altmaier
German offshore wind expansion ‘will be a major effort’, says Habeck
As Olaf Scholz was confirmed as Germany's new Chancellor on Wednesday (8 December), his second in command Robert Habeck faces a massive challenge: kickstarting a rapid expansion of renewables that touches on the limits of the possible.
Germany’s Altmaier: Economy ministry is ‘something again’
After four years at the helm of the federal economy and energy ministry, a coal phase-out and a pandemic, Peter Altmaier passes the torch to Greens co-leader Robert Habeck, who will chair the new 'super-ministry' of energy, economy and now also climate protection
COVID-19 fourth wave: Germany considers extending business support until March
As Germany battles its fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic, prospects for the coming holiday season are gloomy, forcing the government to consider extending financial assistance for struggling businesses until March 2022.
Germany slashes green electricity levy by almost 43%, with abolishment in sight
Germany will lower its infamous renewable electricity surcharge to the lowest point ever in 2022 amid signs that the next government may be preparing to abolish the tax entirely.
German economic growth significantly lower than expected for 2021
Germany's economic growth forecast for 2021 has been "significantly" reduced by a group of the country's leading economic research institutes in their bi-annual economic projection report, published on Thursday (14 October).
German industry worried about EU carbon market reform, sceptical of CBAM
Industry in Germany watched the presentation of the European Commission’s new package of energy and climate laws with bated breath on Wednesday (14 July), expressing worries about a reform of the EU’s carbon market that could see free CO2 pollution...
Report: Digitalisation of German SMEs lagging despite efforts
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) traditionally form the backbone of Europe's largest economy, yet they are still lagging behind in terms of digitalisation compared to the international competition, according to a recent OECD study. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Europe’s first digitalised chip plant opens in Dresden
German engineering and technology company Bosch opened a new semiconductor factory, fully networked with 5G mobile technology, in Dresden on Monday (7 June). The production facility was funded with €140 million as part of a joint European project.
Germany to invest €8 bn in large-scale hydrogen projects
Germany said on Friday (28 May) it would invest €8 billion in 62 large-scale hydrogen projects, including electrolysers and pipeline infrastructure, as part of the country's bid to decarbonise its industry and become a world leader in the pioneering fuel technology.
REACT-EU has been approved: Here’s what Germany gets
European regional policy has a special role to play in overcoming the coronavirus crisis, with one of the main new instruments being REACT-EU, a fund which represents an increase of €47.5 billion in structural funds. EURACTIV Germany reports.
German labour ministry ramps up pressure for supply chain law
Creating responsible global supply chains with fair wages and working conditions is a key theme for Germany’s labour ministry (BMAS) during the country’s EU Council Presidency. On Tuesday (6 October), Labour Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) made the case for a national and eventually European framework.
EU energy ministers back 2030 climate goal update, leave deal for later
Germany's Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said talks on Tuesday (6 October) between energy ministers from the 27 EU members had shown that a majority want to update the emissions-cutting target by 2030 for the bloc, on its way to climate neutrality by 2050.
‘No second shutdown’, Germany’s Altmaier promises business leaders
Speaking at the annual Industry Day event, Germany's Economy Minister Peter Altmaier (CDU) promised business leaders that there would not be a second shutdown. He also took the opportunity to be critical of his SPD colleague, Vice-Chancellor Olaf Scholz. EURACTIV Germany reports.
German trust busters get a sharper sword
Germany's ruling coalition has reached an agreement on the amendment to the 62-year old Act against Restraints of Competition (GWB). In the future, authorities will take stronger action against online giants that abuse their market power. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Wirecard scandal: Bundestag inquiry committee increasingly likely
A probe into the Wirecard affair is picking up speed. At a special session of the Bundestag Finance Committee, MPs have questioned top ministers and lobbyist influence over the government is becoming increasingly clear. Setting up a special inquiry committee is becoming more likely as a result. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Wirecard scandal: Why the German government should be nervous
Have leading politicians in the grand coalition up to the Chancellor been involved in a fraudulent scheme? The Bundestag's finance committee is looking into it.
New study finds tentative ‘glimmers of hope’ in German business climate
The German business climate is improving: according to a survey, the economy is regaining its optimism. However, this phenomenon should be treated with caution, because many companies still lack future prospects, the DIHK warns. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Commission presses member states to take action on high-risk 5G vendors
EU nations must make urgent progress on mitigating the risks to 5G telecommunications networks posed by certain high-risk suppliers, the European Commission said in a progress report published on Friday (24 July).
German industry pleased with EU summit result
German business associations are cheering the deal EU leaders reached at a marathon summit that ended on Tuesday morning (21 July), and they have every reason to do so, explains economic researcher Jürgen Matthes. But some observers are displeased with cuts in funding for innovation, research or defence. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany’s Altmaier encourages MEPs to be more realistic
In his presentation of the German EU presidency's priorities, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier (CDU) urged MEPs on Thursday (16 July) to be more realistic, particularly on renewable energy and relations with China. But he continues to believe that barring Huawei, as the UK recently did, is wrong. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Altmaier argues against ‘international monopolies’ in the platform economy
A "well-regulated" platform economy should allow for small and medium-sized enterprises to compete fairly and should not lead to the formation of "international monopolies", German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said on Tuesday (7 July).
Berlin refuses to disclose details of €4bn coal phase-out deal with energy firms
German energy companies LEAG and RWE are set to receive over €4 billion for closing their lignite-fired power plants. But nobody knows how the compensation was calculated and the German economy ministry refuses to provide details, citing procedural matters. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany urges ‘no favours’ in Airbus job cuts
German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier on Wednesday (1 July) urged plane builder Airbus to spread the pain fairly as it cuts 15,000 jobs to deal with lower orders following the coronavirus pandemic.