Contesting Defence Grants: Legal Pathways Explained

The European Commission has proposed replacing the EU's three core procurement directives with a single, directly applicable Regulation that would fundamentally reshape how companies compete for public contracts across Member States. The reform introduces mandatory quality criteria thresholds, embeds ESG considerations as evaluation factors, and establishes new security and European-preference provisions that could restrict participation based on ownership, supply chain exposure, and strategic dependencies.

Two analysts from Stepwise's Global Strategic Engagement Team debate whether German Chancellor Friedrich Merz can survive the political fallout from the CDU's historic regional election losses in September, or if mounting party pressure will force his resignation. Ian Cameron argues Merz will cling to power despite weakened authority, while Thomas Goldstein contends his chancellorship appears terminal.

A leaked draft of a standalone German Investment Screening Act (the “IPG”) has been circulating for a few days – offering a first concrete glimpse into the planned overhaul of Germany's FDI regime.

The various aspects of compliance are high on the agenda of both the economic and political players in Germany. Most recently, the German government has approved a draft legislation for stricter rules on anti money laundering.

Germany has adopted the new Act for Critical Facilities (KRITIS Dachgesetz) (the Act) (available here, German only), which entered into force on March 17 , 2026. It implements the Critical Entities...

Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt regional elections, winning nearly 44% of the vote and dealing a severe blow to the ruling Christian Democratic Union. The election results are creating political instability that could weaken Berlin's leadership role in the European Union and reshape the bloc's approach to critical trade, industrial policy, and China relations during a pivotal period for European policymaking.

Germany is positioning itself to become Europe's dominant military power through an extensive defense modernization program that will run through 2039. With defense spending more than doubling since 2020 and investments spanning space, AI, drones, and long-range capabilities, Berlin's military ascendance creates both opportunities and tensions with traditional European defense leaders like France and Poland.

On 10 July 2027 – one year from now – the Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2024 (AMLR) and the Regulation (EU) 2024/1620 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2024 (AMLAR)...

The European Commission has authorized EUR 400 million in German State aid to Sanofi to secure insulin supply within the EEA, marking a significant development in European pharmaceutical policy.

Germany is modernizing its foreign direct investment screening regime to align with EU standards by 2028. The leaked draft of the new Investment Screening Act reveals a largely familiar framework with elevated statutory protections, but introduces notable changes for EFTA investors and listed company thresholds. Will the final legislation maintain this continuity or introduce more substantial reforms as parliamentary debate unfolds?