According to the current issue of the Bundesbank’s Monthly Report, the German economy is likely to pick up slightly in the first quarter of 2025. Industry and construction increased output in January following a weak year-end. However, the basic tendency in industry remains weak according to the experts. Private consumption did not provide any stimulus to growth at the beginning of the year. By contrast, the services sector is likely to make a slightly positive contribution to growth in the first quarter. 

“If the world keeps its current policies unchanged, global temperatures are expected to rise by three degrees Celsius (on average). And this could cost India roughly 19 % of GDP by 2050, compared to a world without climate change,” First Deputy Governor of the Deutsche Bundesbank Sabine Mauderer said in an interview with Indian newspaper “The Economic Times”. She also spoke about the global economic impact of climate change and the work of the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS).

Germany is facing major challenges. Smart, consistent and reliable economic policy could set out the framework and unleash the sense of change we now need, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel commented. In a speech at the Berlin School of Economics, Mr Nagel presented twelve points that he believes are key to boosting growth in Germany. For each set of topics, he examined four points: for an increased supply of labour, for the necessary transition towards net zero, and for a more dynamic corporate sector.

The Bundesbank is expanding its reform proposals for central government’s debt brake. With regard to the debt ratio, Germany is doing well by international standards. Our reform proposal for the debt brake preserves sound public finances whilst at the same time facilitating urgently needed investment, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said. The concept supports measures needed to strengthen infrastructure and defence whilst ensuring sustainable public finances over the long term, in line with European rules.