• Germany’s federal election on 23 February 2025 will define its future leadership in an increasingly turbulent geopolitical landscape.
• The new Government must strengthen Germany’s role in both the EU and globally by continuing to foster international cooperation and a rules-based order. It must develop a joint strategy for competitiveness and decarbonisation and drive respective EU initiatives. Achieving its national climate target of net-zero emissions by 2045 is essential not only for Germany’s economic future and security, but also to maintain its leadership in international diplomacy. 

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• Germany must step up in its international efforts – at EU level and globally   

As global challenges intensify, Germany’s role as a key EU player and global leader is more critical than ever. Germany’s continued leadership on the European stage is vital for maintaining unity and stability within the EU, while ensuring that Europe remains competitive in a changing world. Germany must reinforce its commitment to multilateralism, a rules-based order and international cooperation.  

The position of the new German government will naturally be the result of political compromise and will depend on how well each party does at the polls. Differences between the likely coalition parties exist on climate and the energy transition, but broadly all are committed to delivering against the Paris Agreement’s targets, and on domestic goals.  

• An integrated competitiveness and decarbonisation agenda for economic prosperity 

As Germany`s economy is facing growth challenges and the net-zero target in 2045 is approaching fast, it will be essential for the new government to develop a roadmap which combines competitiveness and decarbonisation. A key part of this is to shape and implement respective EU policies and initiatives. 

Germany can take decisive action to make use of Europe’s competitive edge and provide clear signals for industry. Achieving a fast, fair, and funded green transition will require increased investment and proactive adaptation to new geopolitical realities. Germany should be a driving force behind implementing a strong Clean Industrial Deal, and to level up investments at EU and national level.  

• Further accelerating Germany’s energy transition  

Following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Germany accelerated its energy transition with renewables now making up a record 62% of generation, and fossil fuels hitting an all-time low with coal generation down to 10 TWh and gas remaining flat. The substantial roll-out was enabled by investments, reduced time to get permits, and other financial and non-financial levers.  

The new German government will be under pressure from industry and households to deliver affordable energy prices as it continues to achieve energy independence. At the same time, fossil fuel phase out remains remarkably uncontroversial among the parties in principle, though there are differences when it comes to pathways and measures. With the unprecedented competitiveness of clean technologies and a strong internal climate architecture, Germany’s clean economic transition can be expected to continue. 

• Germany must drive an ambitious international decarbonisation agenda 

The new government must send strong signals and set the agenda on ambitious international energy and climate targets to boost the growth of clean technologies and renewable energy solutions. This includes supporting an ambitious EU 2040 climate target, sufficient level of climate finance and investments, and developing new strategic high-ambition alliances and partnerships. 

Quotes

Marc Weissgerber, Executive Director (Geschäftsführer), E3G Berlin, said:

“The response to Trump must be a strong EU, backed by a proactive Germany as the largest member state.” 

Marc Weissgerber, Executive Director (Geschäftsführer), E3G Berlin, said:

“The new German government must quickly develop a strategic response to the rising geopolitical tensions and geoeconomic fragmentation. It needs to drive a joint competitiveness and decarbonisation agenda domestically and internationally, and strengthen the EU.” 

Marc Weissgerber, Executive Director (Geschäftsführer), E3G Berlin, said:

“An agenda which combines competitiveness and decarbonisation will be key for Germany’s economic prosperity and position in the world.” 

Manon Dufour, Executive Director, E3G Brussels, said:

“Germany can act as an engine for Europe, helping forge a path towards security and resilience. It can also act as a brake, bringing it to a standstill. This weekend’s elections, and the choices made during the coalition negotiations, will be critical for the Europe’s ability to fund its future prosperity and security in the face of mounting geopolitical and climate challenges.” 

Nick Mabey, Co-CEO and founder, E3G, said:

“We have seen the power of Germany’s influence when it drives European and global collaboration. The new coalition government must strengthen Germany’s role as an active supporter of global cooperation that delivers energy and climate security for all. Germany must act decisively in the world to maintain its security, prosperity & a healthy environment.” 

For all Germany media queries please contact:  

Marc Weissgerber, Executive Director, E3G Berlin gGmbH 

marc.weissgerber@e3g.org, +49 (0) 175 1974404 

For further enquiries email press@e3g.org. 

Notes to Editors

1. E3G is an independent climate change think tank with a global outlook. We work on the frontier of the climate landscape, tackling the barriers and advancing the solutions to a safe climate. Our goal is to translate climate politics, economics and policies into action. About – E3G
2. For further enquiries email press@e3g.org or phone +44 (0)7783 787 863
3. Register for our journalist WhatsApp briefing service to receive updates and analysis for key geopolitical and climate events over 2024 and 2025 on the road to COP29 and COP30: E3G WhatsApp registration for journalists – E3G.