Merz and Strandmer, the German-British Bromance. The situation in the morning

Good morning, dear readers!

Germany and Great Britain once stood as enemies in the trenches – only in the first, then in the Second World War. A good 80 years after the end of the war in Europe, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the British Premier Keir Strandmer want to close a friendship contract on Thursday. The reason for this is, of all people: war.

The German-British friendship contract, “the first of its kind”, is supposed to make the gang between the two countries closer than ever before, explained Starmer. The contract is not a complete new beginning, but a restart for German-British relationships according to Brexit 2020. And a symbol of a particularly close connection. Because Germany does not maintain many such friendship contracts. France can be among the lucky ones.

The focus is particularly on defense in the new friendship contract – in addition to migration and trade. Among other things, the two countries underline the duty of assistance in the event of an attack, which is already existing by their NATO membership and want to intensify the cooperation in the armaments area.

The time could not be more suitable for both countries. Because since Donald Trump has moved back into the White House, the transatlantic security foundation wobbles. In view of the war in Ukraine and the threat of Russia, a close partnership between Berlin and London – Great Britain is after all, nuclear power – both sides.

Despite its different political origin-the Social Democratic Labor party, Merz the Conservative CDU-both pursue a common goal: a strong role in Europe’s security policy and determined support from Ukraine. With Paris (also nuclear power) on the side of the two there is a new strong triangle relationship in Europe, which can certainly meet Moscow and Washington at eye level.

But one question remains: Can the friendship between Germans and British not only stabilize Europe and strengthen international cooperation worldwide?

Like Germany – and every other country in the world – the European Union has a household. The EU Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has now presented the new long-term budget for the years 2028 to 2034. But it doesn’t taste good for the member countries. Not Berlin either.

Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said that the federal government could not accept the Commission’s proposal. Even an additional burden for companies provided by the authority does not meet enthusiasm in Berlin.

In order to invest more money in safety and defense, the EU Commission plans to increase the budget for around two trillion euros for these years-700 billion euros more than in the current seven-year budget period. A mammoth amount with which the EU not only boosts the economy with the USA and China, but also wants to repay loans from Corona pandemic.

Kornelius emphasized that a significant increase in the EU budget was not justifiable in times when the member countries have to stabilize their households with considerable efforts. As a economic Powerhouse, Germany usually contributes almost a quarter of the funds. At around two trillion euros, this corresponds to around 500 billion euros.

Agriculture is also suspicious. Leyen promised 300 billion euros to support farmers, but that would mean less money for the farmers than before. Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer (CSU) spoke of a “dangerous turning point” in view of the suggestions. The federal government will thoroughly examine the plans from Brussels.

Now all EU member states and the European Parliament have to advise on the budget. Negotiations are likely to be anything but a honey slack. Because the draft for the community budget means higher expenses for the EU countries. And if a European heavyweight like Germany is dissatisfied, Ms. should warm up from the Leyen.

The debate about the constitutional candidate Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf does not subside. In the past few days, the legal scientist has been going on the offensive, because – you have to say that – so far no nominated person has been tackled to Germany’s highest court. But their reputation and candidacy are further cracked. Can Brosius-Gersdorf still save that? Or does she finally disqualify herself with her defense strategy? The two argue about this star-Politik boss Veit Medick and Jan Rosenkranz in our “5-minute talk”:

Emissions trade should make climate protection efficient. Data now show that a lot has changed positively since the introduction in Europe 20 years ago: According to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the greenhouse gas emissions of the facilities involved fell by around half. According to the German emission trade point in the UBA, emissions were reduced by 51 percent in Europe, and around 47 percent in Germany.

In addition to Germany and the other 27 EU countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein also take part in the European system. According to the Federal Environment Agency, around 9,000 plants in the energy industry and energy -intensive industry are involved. They therefore cause around 40 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. In emissions trading, companies have to prove rights to emerge greenhouse gases and can act with each other. The number of certificates available will drop over time.

The emission compared to the previous year has also decreased in Germany: the 1716 facilities recorded by EU emission trading in the country last year emanated around 273 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. For better comparability, other greenhouse gases are converted into CO2. This corresponds to a reduction of 5.5 percent compared to the previous year.

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I wish you a good start to Thursday! Warm, you
Rune Weichert