Liberales Institut

Writing and written symbols accompany us everywhere—from shopping and street signs to the public realm and our homes. Language\'s complex encoding is so multifaceted that entire libraries could be filled with treatises on its origins, meaning, purpose, and relevance. Yet, writing and the ability to read and write are above all instruments of freedom.

The Federal Republic of Germany, with its 16 states, has a federal structure. The states possess extensive powers, especially in the area of education. State parliaments make important decisions affecting the lives of young people in Germany. On November 8, 2024, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom participated in an expert hearing in the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, invited by the liberal FDP parliamentary group.

The German housing market is in deep crisis. Building permits are declining, cancellations are increasing, and consequently, fewer and fewer projects are being completed. This shrinking supply meets persistently high or even rising demand. The effects of this imbalance are immediately evident in rent price developments. Recently, significant rent increases have been observed, especially for new leases in Germany’s major cities.

With its Commission Work Programme 2024, adopted on October 17, 2023, the European Commission emphasized its commitment to reduce reporting requirements by 25 per cent. While the Commission promises to cut bureaucracy, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is looming. The CSRD imposes substantial new disclosure and compliance requirements on companies.

The Bologna Declaration marked a milestone in European education. However, despite the ambitious goals of the Bologna Process, numerous issues have arisen. At the end of March 2024, the European Commission introduced a new approach: plans for a European university degree. But how realistic is this proposal?

In 2035, the ban on combustion engines is set to become a reality at the EU level. From that point onwards, only pure gasoline or diesel vehicles should no longer be allowed to be sold. But what does this decision entail? To understand: The combustion engine ban pursued by Ursula von der Leyen does not entail a complete prohibition on driving conventional combustion engine vehicles starting in 2035.

The debt brake repeatedly sparks discussions and as the next budget negotiations in Germany draw nearer, voices calling for a relaxation of the rules on debt limitation grow louder. There were good reasons for its introduction, including the ever-increasing public debt burdens. The public debate in Germany is primarily conducted with unproven theses, assumptions, and assertions, as there has been no comprehensive study on the impact of the debt brake.

By 2050, two-thirds of the people worldwide will live in cities. This development comes with huge challenges for emerging and developing countries, especially in the area of mobility. A new study “Emerging Urban Mobility” by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation shows how these countries deal with these challenges.

The impacts of climate change are already noticeable. Cities are particularly affected by this trend. It is time to prepare cities for the consequences of climate change, focusing on the most effective measures. A new study by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation reveals how cities all around the world are tackling the challenge.

Well-intentioned does not automatically mean well-executed. That would be the positive interpretation of the planned EU ban on rebates to stockbrokers. Fear devours stock culture! This might be the negative interpretation of the agreement in principle reached between the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. Work is currently underway on the specific regulation.