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Friday, October 23, 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Germany · Country watch

IG Metall Ultimatum to VW, BASF Raises Evonik Bid

IG Metall threatens VW with strikes; BASF increases bid for Evonik, impacting the chemical sector.

· · 9 sources

The picture Deteriorating How this is judged →

Business conditions in Germany are deteriorating due to potential strikes at Volkswagen, a major bid in the chemical sector, and delays in offshore wind energy projects. These developments could disrupt operations and affect investments in key sectors.

Flare-up watch: Calm what this means → — All Germany briefings →

In this briefing Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs · German offshore wind energy · IG Metall · Volkswagen · BASF · Evonik

Regulation

  • Energy

Offshore wind energy expansion stalls, states alarmed

silhouette of wind turbines under cloudy sky
Gritte / Unsplash

The expansion of offshore wind energy in Germany is facing delays, prompting several states to raise concerns, according to Stern. In a letter to the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, the states called for urgent adjustments to legislative plans, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The stagnation in offshore wind projects could impact Germany's renewable energy targets and energy sector investments.

Impact Energy sector investors and developers face delays as offshore wind energy projects stall, affecting renewable energy targets.

Sources: STERN ↗, ZEIT ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

  • Automotive

IG Metall issues ultimatum to Volkswagen over layoffs

IG Metall has issued an ultimatum to Volkswagen, demanding the reversal of ten contract terminations by the end of October, according to Handelsblatt. The union warns of potential strikes if the demands are not met. The conflict arises amid Volkswagen's plans for workforce reductions and wage freezes. IG Metall is preparing for what it describes as a potentially unprecedented labor conflict in the company's history.

Impact Automotive employers face potential disruptions as IG Metall threatens strikes over layoffs at Volkswagen.

Watch The deadline for Volkswagen to respond to IG Metall's demands is the end of October. · 31 October 2026

Sources: Handelsblatt ↗, Sueddeutsche.de ↗, ZEIT ↗

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

BASF raises Evonik takeover offer to over €11 billion

BASF has increased its takeover offer for Evonik to more than €11 billion, according to Handelsblatt and Frankfurter Allgemeine. The move follows BASF's initial offer being rejected. BASF CEO Kamieth has offered job guarantees to win over Evonik's shareholders and employees. The acquisition, if successful, would significantly reshape the competitive landscape of Germany's chemical industry.

Impact Chemical sector investors and employees face changes as BASF raises its offer for Evonik, aiming for a major industry consolidation.

Sources: Handelsblatt ↗, Frankfurter Allgemeine ↗

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Germany

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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