A Tale of Multiple Disconnects
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Baden-Württemberg/ India
Consulate General of India Munich ***** General and Bilateral Brief- Baden-Württemberg/ India Baden-Württemberg located in Germany’s Southwest side, lies at the very heart of Europe and shares borders with two other European countries – France, Switzerland and three German States – Rhineland Palatinate, Hesse and Bavaria. In terms of both its area and population size, Baden- Württemberg is the third biggest among the 16 German States. The state population is 11 million. It is the third largest in Germany after North-Rhine Westphalia (17.93 million) and Bavaria (13.07 million) and is larger than individual population of 15 as many as other member states of the EU. (For more detail: Annexure – 1 & 2). Salient Features of Baden-Württemberg Geography: Baden-Württemberg with an area of 35,751 sqkm is characterized by a distinct landscape. In the West, the scenery is characterized by the Black Forest and the Rhine Plain, in the South by Lake Constance and the ridge of the Alps, in the East by the Swabian Alb hills, and in the North by the Hohenloh plain and the uplands of the Kraichgau region. Forest makes up around 40 per cent of Baden-Württemberg’s total area. People: The people of Baden-Württemberg are known for their innovative spirit and industriousness which largely compensates them for lack of natural resources in BW. Their skills and expertise, commitment to industry, science, education, culture have transformed South west Germany into one of the world’s most successful regions. The total foreign population of Baden-Württemberg is over 1.6 million (11%), making Baden- Württemberg one of the most immigrant-rich of Germany’s flatland states. -
Germany: Baffled Hegemon Constanze Stelzenmüller
POLICY BRIEF Germany: Baffled hegemon Constanze Stelzenmüller Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany has transformed into a hegemonic power in Europe, but recent global upheaval will test the country’s leadership and the strength of its democracy. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY are challenging Europe’s cohesion aggressively, as does the Trump administration’s “America First” The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 turned reunified policy. The impact of this on Germany is stark. No Germany into Europe’s hegemon. But with signs of country in Europe is affected so dramatically by this a major global downturn on the horizon, Germany new systemic competition. Far from being a “shaper again finds itself at the fulcrum of great power nation,” Germany risks being shaped: by events, competition and ideological struggle in Europe. And competitors, challengers, and adversaries. German democracy is being challenged as never before, by internal and external adversaries. Germany’s options are limited. It needs to preserve Europe’s vulnerable ecosystem in its own The greatest political challenge to liberal democracy enlightened self-interest. It will have to compromise within Germany today is the Alternative für on some issues (defense expenditures, trade Deutschland (Alternative for Germany, or AfD), the surpluses, energy policy). But it will also have to first far-right party in the country’s postwar history push back against Russian or Chinese interference, to be represented in all states and in the federal and make common cause with fellow liberal legislature. While it polls nationally at 12 percent, its democracies. With regard to Trump’s America, disruptive impact has been real. -
H.E. Ms. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Addresses 100Th International Labour Conference
H.E. Ms. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Addresses 100th International Labour Conference In the first ever visit of a German Chancellor to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), H.E. Ms. Angela Merkel today addressed the Organization’s annual conference. Speaking to the historic 100th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) Ms Merkel highlighted the increasing role played by the ILO in closer international cooperation. The G8 and G20 meetings would be “unthinkable without the wealth of experience of this Organisation”, she said, adding that the ILO’s involvement was the only way “to give globalization a form, a structure” (In German with subtitles in English). Transcription in English: Juan Somavia, Director-General, International Labour Organization: “Let me highlight your distinctive sense of policy coherence. Since 2007, you have regularly convened in Berlin the heads of the IMF, World Bank, WTO, OECD and the ILO, and urged us to strengthen our cooperation, and this with a view to building a strong social dimension of globalization and greater policy coherence among our mandates. These dialogues, under your guidance, have been followed up actively by the ILO with important joint initiatives with all of them, whose leaders have all addressed the Governing Body of the ILO. You have been a strong voice for a fairer, more balanced globalization in which much needs to be done by all international organizations.” Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany: “Universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based on social justice.” This is the first sentence of the Constitution of the ILO and I also wish to start my speech with these words, as they clearly express what the ILO is all about and what it is trying to achieve: universal peace. -
Saxony: Landscapes/Rivers and Lakes/Climate
Freistaat Sachsen State Chancellery Message and Greeting ................................................................................................................................................. 2 State and People Delightful Saxony: Landscapes/Rivers and Lakes/Climate ......................................................................................... 5 The Saxons – A people unto themselves: Spatial distribution/Population structure/Religion .......................... 7 The Sorbs – Much more than folklore ............................................................................................................ 11 Then and Now Saxony makes history: From early days to the modern era ..................................................................................... 13 Tabular Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 17 Constitution and Legislature Saxony in fine constitutional shape: Saxony as Free State/Constitution/Coat of arms/Flag/Anthem ....................... 21 Saxony’s strong forces: State assembly/Political parties/Associations/Civic commitment ..................................... 23 Administrations and Politics Saxony’s lean administration: Prime minister, ministries/State administration/ State budget/Local government/E-government/Simplification of the law ............................................................................... 29 Saxony in Europe and in the world: Federalism/Europe/International -
Federalism in Germany, Italy, and the European Union: History, Characteristics, and Perspectives
Journal for Markets and Ethics/Zeitschrift für Marktwirtschaft und Ethik • 6(1) • 2018 DOI: 10.2478/jome-2018-0034 Journal for Markets and Ethics/Zeitschrift für Marktwirtschaft und Ethik Federalism in Germany, Italy, and the European Union: History, Characteristics, and Perspectives Beate Jochimsen* Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR), German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), Berlin, Germany Received January 30 2018; Accepted February 18 2018 Abstract: Federalism is always torn between the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity. Defining the federal structure of a country by finding the welfare-maximizing amount and design of government layers is challenging. Thereby, the financial endowment of different layers of government which they need to fulfill their respective tasks is an important aspect. European countries have chosen quite different federal designs to address the question of an optimal degree of fiscal decentralization. The aim of this paper is to analyze these different approaches for Germany, Italy, and the European Union. Parallels can be found in that all the three entities share a form of institutional asymmetry, a kind of fiscal bailout system, and a sort of fiscal equalization scheme. Keywords: Federalism • Germany • Italy • Europe JEL-Classification: H77 • P51 • O52 • N43 European countries have chosen quite different 1. Introduction federal designs to address the question of an optimal Identifying the sources of individual well-being has degree of fiscal decentralization. Germany, Italy, and been a major challenge in social sciences for many the European Union (EU), for example, are all struc- years. To what extent federal institutions support life tured more or less in a federal, i.e., decentral, way. -
Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021 Joint Statement
Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021 Joint Statement by President Biden and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany— Washington Declaration July 15, 2021 Today, the President of the United States and the Chancellor of Germany affirm their commitment to close bilateral cooperation in promoting peace, security, and prosperity around the world. The foundation of our relationship is a shared commitment to democratic principles, values, and institutions. Together, we will uphold the rule of law, promote transparency and good governance, and support civil society and independent media. We will defend the rights and dignity of all individuals, and counter injustice and inequality wherever it occurs. We uphold the universal values at the heart of the United Nations Charter and stand together in our commitment to promote respect for human rights everywhere, including by rejecting and responding in concert to violations of human rights. We must act now to demonstrate that democracy delivers for our people at home and that democratic leadership delivers for the world. We commit ourselves to defending an open world. Across the globe, all nations must be free to determine their political futures free from foreign interference, coercion, or domination by outside powers. As two nations whose economies depend on the free transit of goods around the world, we affirm the critical importance of the freedoms of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea, consistent with international law. This vision is unachievable in a world carved into competing spheres of influence and we will resist attempts to create them, be it through attempts at territorial annexation, control of digital infrastructure, transnational repression, or weaponized energy flows. -
Monitoring of Pseudorabies in Wild Boar of Germany—A Spatiotemporal Analysis
pathogens Article Monitoring of Pseudorabies in Wild Boar of Germany—A Spatiotemporal Analysis Nicolai Denzin 1, Franz J. Conraths 1 , Thomas C. Mettenleiter 2 , Conrad M. Freuling 3 and Thomas Müller 3,* 1 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; Nicolai.Denzin@fli.de (N.D.); Franz.Conraths@fli.de (F.J.C.) 2 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; Thomas.Mettenleiter@fli.de 3 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; Conrad.Freuling@fli.de * Correspondence: Thomas.Mueller@fli.de; Tel.: +49-38351-71659 Received: 16 March 2020; Accepted: 8 April 2020; Published: 10 April 2020 Abstract: To evaluate recent developments regarding the epidemiological situation of pseudorabies virus (PRV) infections in wild boar populations in Germany, nationwide serological monitoring was conducted between 2010 and 2015. During this period, a total of 108,748 sera from wild boars were tested for the presence of PRV-specific antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The overall PRV seroprevalence was estimated at 12.09% for Germany. A significant increase in seroprevalence was observed in recent years indicating both a further spatial spread and strong disease dynamics. For spatiotemporal analysis, data from 1985 to 2009 from previous studies were incorporated. The analysis revealed that PRV infections in wild boar were endemic in all German federal states; the affected area covers at least 48.5% of the German territory. There were marked differences in seroprevalence at district levels as well as in the relative risk (RR) of infection of wild boar throughout Germany. -
'The Birth of the Euro' from <I>EUROPE</I> (December 2001
'The birth of the euro' from EUROPE (December 2001-January 2002) Caption: On the eve of the entry into circulation of euro notes and coins on January 1, 2002, the author of the article relates the history of the single currency's birth. Source: EUROPE. Magazine of the European Union. Dir. of publ. Hélin, Willy ; REditor Guttman, Robert J. December 2001/January 2002, No 412. Washington DC: Delegation of the European Commission to the United States. ISSN 0191- 4545. Copyright: (c) EUROPE Magazine, all rights reserved The magazine encourages reproduction of its contents, but any such reproduction without permission is prohibited. URL: http://www.cvce.eu/obj/the_birth_of_the_euro_from_europe_december_2001_january_2002-en-fe85d070-dd8b- 4985-bb6f-d64a39f653ba.html Publication date: 01/10/2012 1 / 5 01/10/2012 The birth of the euro By Lionel Barber On January 1, 2002, more than 300 million European citizens will see the euro turn from a virtual currency into reality. The entry into circulation of euro notes and coins means that European Monetary Union (EMU), a project devised by Europe’s political elite over more than a generation, has finally come down to the street. The psychological and economic consequences of the launch of Europe’s single currency will be far- reaching. It will mark the final break from national currencies, promising a cultural revolution built on stable prices, enduring fiscal discipline, and lower interest rates. The origins of the euro go back to the late 1960s, when the Europeans were searching for a response to the upheaval in the Bretton Woods system, in which the US dollar was the dominant currency. -
TR2010/0136.01-01/001- Technical Assistance for Improved Strategic
National Programme for Turkey 2010 under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey TR2010/0136.01-01/001- Technical Assistance for Improved Strategic Management Capacity Germany Country Report 30/01/2015 1 Table of Contents Page 1. General Information 4 1.1. Sources and Aims 4 1.2. Structural Aspects of the German State 4 1.3. Area and Population 7 1.4. GDP and Financial and Budgetary Situation 10 1.5. Main Economic and Commercial Characteristics 12 2. Government and Public Administration of the Federal Level 15 2.1. Federal Constitutional Structure (head of state, head of government, parliament, judiciary) 15 2.2. Central Bodies (chancellor, ministers) 16 2.3. Public Administration 17 2.3.1. Public Administration: employees 17 2.3.2. Public Administration: assessment and training 19 2.4. Reforms to the Structure of Government (past, in progress, planned) 22 3. Four Examples of Länder/Federal States (according to size, history, economic structure and geographic direction) 26 3.1. Baden-Württemberg - General Structure 28 3.1.1. Government and Public Administration 28 3.1.2. Reforms 30 3.2. Brandenburg - General Structure 32 3.2.1. Government and Public Administration 32 3.2.2. Reforms 33 3.3. Lower Saxony - General Structure 34 3.3.1. Government and Public Administration 35 3.3.2. Reforms 36 3.4. Saarland - General Structure 38 3.4.1. Government and Public Administration 38 3.4.2. Reforms 39 4. Strategic Planning and Public Budgeting 41 4.1. -
GERMAN GREENS in COALITION GOVERNMENTS a Political Analysis
GERMAN GREENS IN COALITION GOVERNMENTS A Political Analysis by Arne Jungjohann 1 GERMAN GREENS IN COALITION GOVERNMENTS A Political Analysis A Political Analysis A Political German Greens in Coalition Governments German Greens in Coalition Governments A Political Analysis By Arne Jungjohann Published by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union English version published with the support of the Green European Foundation About the author CONTENTS Arne Jungjohann is an energy analyst and political scientist. He advises foundations, think tanks, and civil society in communication and strategy building for climate and energy policy. Previously, he worked for Minister President Winfried Kretschmann of Baden-Württemberg, the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Washington DC, in the German Bundestag, and in the family owned business. As its editor he launched the most influential English Twitter account on the German Energiewende (@ EnergiewendeGER). He co-authored ‘Energy Democracy: Germany’s Energiewende to Renewables’ Foreword 7 (Palgrave Macmillan 2016). Arne is a member of the Green Academy, a network with leading thinkers Foreword by the author 9 from science, politics and civil society which is facilitated by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. He is the founder of the local chapter of the German Green Party in Washington DC and lives in Stuttgart. He studied at Philipps University Marburg and at the Free University of Berlin. 1 Introduction 11 1.1 State of the research and sources used 12 1.2 Lead Questions and Composition of the Study 14 2 Coalition Constellations 15 3 The Coalition Arena at State Level 19 3.1 Departmental Responsibilities of the Greens 19 3.2 Coalition Management in the G-states 26 3.2.1 The Bundesrat Clause 27 3.2.2 Coalition Personnel 28 3.2.3 Coalition Committees 30 You are free to share – copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and adapt – remix, transform, and build upon the material. -
Annual Report 2019
Department of the Taoiseach Annual Report 2019 Department of the Taoiseach Annual Report 2019 Message from the Taoiseach I welcome the publication of this report which sets out the activities of the Taoiseach’s Department throughout 2019 in delivering on the Strategic Priorities in the Department’s Statement of Strategy. 2019 was a challenging year for Ireland and I would like to thank the staff in the Department for their continued expertise and commitment. This report only reflects a fraction of the work that transpires on a day-to-day basis but which plays a crucial role in supporting both the Taoiseach and the Government. I am honoured by my recent appointment as Taoiseach and I look forward to working with the staff of the Department as we go forward to tackle issues like Covid19, Brexit, and the recovery of our economy and society. Micheál Martin Taoiseach 2 Department of the Taoiseach Annual Report 2019 Introduction by the Secretary General This is the third and final Annual Report to be published under the Department of the Taoiseach’s Statement of Strategy 2017-2020 and reflects the work that was carried out the Department under each of its Strategic Priorities. Throughout 2019 the Department continued to support the Taoiseach and Government including through supporting Cabinet meetings, providing policy advice, implementing Government policy, organising State events and inward official visits, Parliamentary Questions, EU engagements, and facilitating the productive relationship between the Government and the Oireachtas. Brexit was a strong feature in the work of the Department and staff worked closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to co-ordinate the whole-of-Government effort on planning, programme management and communications on Brexit preparedness. -
Between Reformstau and Modernisierung: the Reform Of
Between Reformstau and Modernisierung: The Reform of German Federalism since Unification Gunther M. Hega Department of Political Science Western Michigan University 1903 W. Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5346 E-mail: [email protected] 1. Draft -- October 22, 2003 Please do not quote without the author’s permission Paper to be presented at the Conference on “Europeanization and Integration” EU Center of the University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, October 24 – 25, 2003 Abstract: Between Reformstau and Modernisierung: The Reform of German Federalism since Unification This paper examines the changes of the German federal system and the role of the 16 states (Länder) in national politics and policy-making in the Federal Republic of Germany since 1990. In particular, the study focuses on the response of the German Federal Council (Bundesrat), the chamber of the national parliament which represents the Länder, to the processes of German unification and European integration in the last decade. The paper starts from the assumption that the Federal Council has been the chief beneficiary among the Federal Republic's political institutions of the trends toward "unitary federalism" at the domestic level and a "federal Europe" at the international level. Due to the evolution of cooperative federalism with its interlocking policies, the changes in the party system and coalition politics, and, in particular, the twin processes of German unification and European integration, the Bundesrat has gained additional, special powers by assuring the inclusion of the "subsidiarity principle" in both the German Constitution (the Basic Law) and the Maastricht Treaty on European Union. The amended Article 23 of the Basic Law and the Maastricht Treaty's Article 3b strengthen the participation of the Federal Council and the 16 German states in national and European policymaking.