{"id":1791832,"date":"2026-02-25T07:59:55","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T04:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1791832"},"modified":"2026-02-25T07:59:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T04:59:55","slug":"nord-stream-germanys-thwarted-dream-of-energy-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1791832","title":{"rendered":"Nord Stream: Germany&#8217;s thwarted dream of energy security"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76112957_6.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"s1sfzv1a sk6xmai\">\n<div class=\"content-area sa7l9jt s9mg977\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"sharing-icons-inline\" class=\"c75t7t0 hh5424a in-line closed\">\n<div class=\"copy-button-wrapper closed\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59MRt<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"s4bcs45\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76112957_800.webp 50w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76112957_801.webp 129w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76112957_802.webp 352w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76112957_803.webp 575w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 575px)\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" \/><figcaption class=\"c1oedowi lofg86o m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">German Bundeswehr troops in Lithuania are set to receive combat-ready drones in 2027<small class=\"copyright c19ed66t ihwmx5 idu7i8u lxmvniw icns9en rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Image: Alexander Welscher\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" id=\"live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"c1800ln sq3xutt atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-to-vote-on-major-drone-deal\/live-76112929#post-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section What you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"c2fyhwl ctymiyf content-block i1if36d6 i1ytahzz\">\n<h2 class=\"cp7bjxx h1du6kc5 lt5vbch pohyj9x s16w0xvi m1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z\">What you need to know<\/h2>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>Germany&#8217;s Bundestag is scheduled to vote on a major purchase of armed drones for its troops<\/li>\n<li>Some parliamentarians are spooked by the fact that Trump\/Vance-backer Peter Thiel is an investor in one of the companies set to deliver the weapons<\/li>\n<li>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in China on a two-day visit that will touch on global security and economic partnership \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Here are the latest headlines, reports and analyses from across <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> on Wednesay, February 25:<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"s1ogwy7c ev9ivjh\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76116464\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-to-vote-on-major-drone-deal\/live-76112929#post-liveblog-post-76116464\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Heiner Wilmer is the new chief Catholic bishop in Germany<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Heiner Wilmer is the new chief Catholic bishop in Germany<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76104342\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76104342_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Heiner WIlmer holding mass in Hildesheim, Easter 2019\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Heiner Wilmer, the Bishop of Hildesheim, was elected to head the German Catholic Bishops Conference<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Peter Steffen\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The number of Christians in Germany is declining, and society is divided.<\/p>\n<p>However, Heiner Wilmer, the new chairman of the German Catholic Bishops&#8217; Conference, is calling for unity and dialogue.<\/p>\n<p>Read <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-heiner-wilmer-is-the-new-chief-bishop\/a-76114684\">DW&#8217;s full report on the new top representative of the Catholic Church in Germany<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59NMu<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76116055\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-to-vote-on-major-drone-deal\/live-76112929#post-liveblog-post-76116055\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Criticism after coalition ditches environmental home heating law<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Criticism after coalition ditches environmental home heating law<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>After months of negotiations, Germany&#8217;s ruling CDU\/CSU\/SPD coalition has announced its intention to change <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-government-gets-heated-over-heating-law\/a-65745897\">heating laws pushed by the previous SPD\/Green\/FDP government<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The presentation of the new Building Modernization Law (Geb\u00e4udemodernisierungsgesetz in German \u2014 yes, one word) late Tuesday incensed opposition parties as well as environmental groups who blasted it as a &#8220;climate betrayal&#8221; and &#8220;a gift to the fossil fuel industry.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-lawmakers-pass-heating-law-that-divided-government\/a-66757316\">initial law, which went into effect in 2024<\/a> and required at least 65% of all new home heating systems to operate with renewables, will now be watered down to instead foster the installation of new oil and gas heating systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The coalition says the new law will do away with the finicky bureaucracy of the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-thousands-in-bavaria-protest-greens-heating-law\/a-65879493\">old law pushed by then vice chancellor and economy minister, Robert Habeck,<\/a> and give homeowners the freedom to keep their existing heating systems.<\/p>\n<p>The law would also do away with requiring individual heating systems to tie in to communal thermal heating systems.<\/p>\n<p>Greens, for instance, say the law simply maintains German &#8220;dependence on gas and oil \u2014 and with that, autocrats.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Critics say renters will be most impacted by the change, as these would be &#8220;chained to expensive and outdated gas infrastructure&#8221; subject to rising gas and network fees.<\/p>\n<p>According to the proposal presented on Tuesday, oil and gas systems will eventually be required to burn bio-methane, synthetic methane, bio-oil, hydrogen or hydrogen derivatives.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Bund f\u00fcr Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND), a Friends of the Earth-allied NGO, called it &#8220;irresponsible to sell this sham as environmental protection.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Although the paper contained few details, critics also hammered the proposed changes for dooming Germany&#8217;s chances of hitting its own <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-to-miss-2030-climate-goal-experts\/a-69253805\">climate neutrality targets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The government claims &#8220;Germany will be climate neutral by 2045, including in the housing sector.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The coalition says the Cabinet will approve the bill by Easter and it will go into effect on July 1.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Nord Stream: Germany's thwarted dream of energy security\" class=\"headline\">Nord Stream: Germany&#8217;s thwarted dream of energy security<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-73723719\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"73723719\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/63255772_605.webp\" data-duration=\"01:50\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20250821_NORDSTREAM17D_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59NGJ<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76115991\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-to-vote-on-major-drone-deal\/live-76112929#post-liveblog-post-76115991\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section READ: Germany bets on industrial AI to rival US and China<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">READ: Germany bets on industrial AI to rival US and China<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"75822959\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75822959_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A view of Deutsche Telekom's new Industrial Cloud data center at the launch in Munich, Germany, on February 5, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Germany&#8217;s new Industrial AI Cloud data center opened to much fanfare last week<small class=\"copyright\">Image: picture alliance\/dpa<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Germany is already harnessing AI for smarter production \u2014 with virtual factories, robot fleets and its newly launched Industrial AI Cloud.<\/p>\n<p>Can this edge overcome stagnation and let the country truly take on its rivals?<\/p>\n<p>Read <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-industrial-ai-deutsche-telekom-china-us-robotics-car-industry\/a-75871997\">DW&#8217;s full report on Germany&#8217;s wager on artificial intelligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59NFH<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76113261\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-to-vote-on-major-drone-deal\/live-76112929#post-liveblog-post-76113261\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Merz in China<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Merz in China<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76113840\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76113840_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"German Chancellor Merz (left) and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang (right) standing in front of a table before a formal lunch\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Merz was given a reception with military honors as well as a formal lunch upon arrival in China<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Michael Kappeler\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/china\/t-18480887\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> has arrived in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-chinese-relations\/t-66159650\">China for a two-day visit<\/a>. Merz will meet Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/xi-jinping\/t-17449321\">Xi Jinping<\/a> to discuss economic cooperation and global security and reportedly, human rights.<\/p>\n<p>The chancellor, who is traveling with a delegation of German business leaders, will visit China&#8217;s tech hub Hangzhou before returning to Berlin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Keep up to date with the latest on Merz&#8217;s trip on our <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/merz-in-china-german-chancellor-lands-in-beijing\/live-76110529\">DW live blog here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59MXF<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76113259\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-to-vote-on-major-drone-deal\/live-76112929#post-liveblog-post-76113259\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Bundestag votes on major drone acquisition<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Bundestag votes on major drone acquisition<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Germany&#8217;s parliament, the Bundestag, will vote on the purchase of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/drones-for-ukraine-made-in-germany\/a-64570826\">so-called &#8220;kamikaze drones&#8221;<\/a> on Wednesday. At issue is the acquisition of thousands of explosives-laden drones, produced by German start-ups and to be deployed with Bundeswehr soldiers stationed in Lithuania on <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/nato\/t-19016346\">NATO<\/a>&#8216;s eastern flank as a defensive measure against Russian aggression.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Germany&#8217;s army is seeking to acquire thousands of small drones capable of dropping their explosive charge on targets or crashing into them, hence the kamikaze moniker.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The initial order being voted upon today is worth about \u20ac536 million ($633 million), with an option to expand the order into the billions. The exact number of drones included has not been published. The Bundeswehr says the munitions would be deployed to Lithuania in 2027.<\/p>\n<p>The Bundestag is expected to approve purchases from the companies Helsing in Munich and Stark Defence in Berlin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Both companies say their drones are equipped with AI-supported defense systems that protect them against electrical jamming. Early issues with targeting inaccuracy have reportedly been fixed and both companies say they are testing their products in the field in Ukraine, claiming that they are &#8220;combat proven.&#8221; The Bundeswehr contract will contain an &#8220;innovation clause&#8221; to insure German forces have the most up-to-date equipment possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Both Helsing and Stark say their drones are capable of destroying &#8220;artillery, tanks and other military targets within a 100 kilometer (62 mile) radius.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>There are problems, however. The Green Party has objected to the deal and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his colleagues in the SPD have only recently signaled approval after initial concerns.<\/p>\n<p>The issue pertains to Stark and one of its investors \u2014 <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/peter-thiel-early-facebook-investor-to-leave-meta-board\/a-60692447\">US tech investment billionaire Peter Thiel<\/a>. A major backer of Vice President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/jd-vance\/t-70177094\">JD Vance<\/a>, German-born Thiel is known for his lack of faith in democracy \u2014 &#8220;I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible&#8221; \u2014 and this seriously worries some parliamentarians.<\/p>\n<p>Stark has sought to tamp down such concerns, pointing out that foreign investors must undergo rigorous Federal Economy Ministry vetting before they can acquire more than 10% of stocks and adding that Thiel has no say in the company&#8217;s day-to-day business.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, Thomas R\u00f6wenkamp of the CDU, said &#8220;open questions regarding overall cost, unit numbers and technical ability&#8221; will be resolved through &#8220;parliamentary processes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Palantir's rise: CIA supplier turned tech powerhouse\" class=\"headline\">Palantir&#8217;s rise: CIA supplier turned tech powerhouse<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-74826447\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"74826447\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/74822012_605.webp\" data-duration=\"12:34\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/she\/she20251120_BestOfTech_Gesamt_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59MXD<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76112984\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-to-vote-on-major-drone-deal\/live-76112929#post-liveblog-post-76112984\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Welcome to our coverage<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">02\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">February 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Welcome to our coverage<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"separator lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> | <\/span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> Editor<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><em>Guten Morgen<\/em> from DW in Bonn, where the sun is up and temperatures are forecast to be unseasonably warm.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Today we begin our coverage with Germany&#8217;s Bundestag voting on a massive deal that would supply so-called &#8220;kamikaze drones&#8221; to Bundeswehr troops stationed in Lithuania on NATO&#8217;s eastern flank.<\/p>\n<p>The much-needed drones are to be produced by two German startups, however, there is a snag. A key investor in one of the companies is no other than Peter Thiel, a German-born US billionaire buddy of\u00a0President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We are also expecting Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to appear before the Bundestag in the early afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned to DW for the latest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59MSm<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"h4zlaoh bp605kw center\">\n<div role=\"button\" data-tracking-name=\"show-more\" class=\"show-more-button s1va3u11 t1y9040i m7i2pic e3w9kkf b19vsmfu cx4rgdt ih9bob8 disabled sngcpkw w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Show more posts<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>Germany&#8217;s Bundestag is scheduled to vote on a major purchase of armed drones for its troops<\/li>\n<li>Some parliamentarians are spooked by the fact that Trump\/Vance-backer Peter Thiel is an investor in one of the companies set to deliver the weapons<\/li>\n<li>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in China on a two-day visit that will touch on global security and economic partnership \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Here are the latest headlines, reports and analyses from across <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> on Wednesay, February 25:<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Here are the latest headlines, reports and analyses from across <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a> on Wednesay, February 25:<\/em><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76104342\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76104342_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Heiner WIlmer holding mass in Hildesheim, Easter 2019\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Heiner Wilmer, the Bishop of Hildesheim, was elected to head the German Catholic Bishops Conference<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Peter Steffen\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The number of Christians in Germany is declining, and society is divided.<\/p>\n<p>However, Heiner Wilmer, the new chairman of the German Catholic Bishops&#8217; Conference, is calling for unity and dialogue.<\/p>\n<p>Read <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-heiner-wilmer-is-the-new-chief-bishop\/a-76114684\">DW&#8217;s full report on the new top representative of the Catholic Church in Germany<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The number of Christians in Germany is declining, and society is divided.<\/p>\n<p>However, Heiner Wilmer, the new chairman of the German Catholic Bishops&#8217; Conference, is calling for unity and dialogue.<\/p>\n<p>Read <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-heiner-wilmer-is-the-new-chief-bishop\/a-76114684\">DW&#8217;s full report on the new top representative of the Catholic Church in Germany<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>After months of negotiations, Germany&#8217;s ruling CDU\/CSU\/SPD coalition has announced its intention to change <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-government-gets-heated-over-heating-law\/a-65745897\">heating laws pushed by the previous SPD\/Green\/FDP government<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The presentation of the new Building Modernization Law (Geb\u00e4udemodernisierungsgesetz in German \u2014 yes, one word) late Tuesday incensed opposition parties as well as environmental groups who blasted it as a &#8220;climate betrayal&#8221; and &#8220;a gift to the fossil fuel industry.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-lawmakers-pass-heating-law-that-divided-government\/a-66757316\">initial law, which went into effect in 2024<\/a> and required at least 65% of all new home heating systems to operate with renewables, will now be watered down to instead foster the installation of new oil and gas heating systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The coalition says the new law will do away with the finicky bureaucracy of the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-thousands-in-bavaria-protest-greens-heating-law\/a-65879493\">old law pushed by then vice chancellor and economy minister, Robert Habeck,<\/a> and give homeowners the freedom to keep their existing heating systems.<\/p>\n<p>The law would also do away with requiring individual heating systems to tie in to communal thermal heating systems.<\/p>\n<p>Greens, for instance, say the law simply maintains German &#8220;dependence on gas and oil \u2014 and with that, autocrats.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Critics say renters will be most impacted by the change, as these would be &#8220;chained to expensive and outdated gas infrastructure&#8221; subject to rising gas and network fees.<\/p>\n<p>According to the proposal presented on Tuesday, oil and gas systems will eventually be required to burn bio-methane, synthetic methane, bio-oil, hydrogen or hydrogen derivatives.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Bund f\u00fcr Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND), a Friends of the Earth-allied NGO, called it &#8220;irresponsible to sell this sham as environmental protection.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Although the paper contained few details, critics also hammered the proposed changes for dooming Germany&#8217;s chances of hitting its own <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-to-miss-2030-climate-goal-experts\/a-69253805\">climate neutrality targets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The government claims &#8220;Germany will be climate neutral by 2045, including in the housing sector.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The coalition says the Cabinet will approve the bill by Easter and it will go into effect on July 1.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Nord Stream: Germany's thwarted dream of energy security\" class=\"headline\">Nord Stream: Germany&#8217;s thwarted dream of energy security<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-73723719\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"73723719\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/63255772_605.webp\" data-duration=\"01:50\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20250821_NORDSTREAM17D_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>After months of negotiations, Germany&#8217;s ruling CDU\/CSU\/SPD coalition has announced its intention to change <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-government-gets-heated-over-heating-law\/a-65745897\">heating laws pushed by the previous SPD\/Green\/FDP government<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The presentation of the new Building Modernization Law (Geb\u00e4udemodernisierungsgesetz in German \u2014 yes, one word) late Tuesday incensed opposition parties as well as environmental groups who blasted it as a &#8220;climate betrayal&#8221; and &#8220;a gift to the fossil fuel industry.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-lawmakers-pass-heating-law-that-divided-government\/a-66757316\">initial law, which went into effect in 2024<\/a> and required at least 65% of all new home heating systems to operate with renewables, will now be watered down to instead foster the installation of new oil and gas heating systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The coalition says the new law will do away with the finicky bureaucracy of the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-thousands-in-bavaria-protest-greens-heating-law\/a-65879493\">old law pushed by then vice chancellor and economy minister, Robert Habeck,<\/a> and give homeowners the freedom to keep their existing heating systems.<\/p>\n<p>The law would also do away with requiring individual heating systems to tie in to communal thermal heating systems.<\/p>\n<p>Greens, for instance, say the law simply maintains German &#8220;dependence on gas and oil \u2014 and with that, autocrats.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Critics say renters will be most impacted by the change, as these would be &#8220;chained to expensive and outdated gas infrastructure&#8221; subject to rising gas and network fees.<\/p>\n<p>According to the proposal presented on Tuesday, oil and gas systems will eventually be required to burn bio-methane, synthetic methane, bio-oil, hydrogen or hydrogen derivatives.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Bund f\u00fcr Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND), a Friends of the Earth-allied NGO, called it &#8220;irresponsible to sell this sham as environmental protection.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Although the paper contained few details, critics also hammered the proposed changes for dooming Germany&#8217;s chances of hitting its own <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-to-miss-2030-climate-goal-experts\/a-69253805\">climate neutrality targets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The government claims &#8220;Germany will be climate neutral by 2045, including in the housing sector.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The coalition says the Cabinet will approve the bill by Easter and it will go into effect on July 1.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"75822959\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75822959_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A view of Deutsche Telekom's new Industrial Cloud data center at the launch in Munich, Germany, on February 5, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Germany&#8217;s new Industrial AI Cloud data center opened to much fanfare last week<small class=\"copyright\">Image: picture alliance\/dpa<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Germany is already harnessing AI for smarter production \u2014 with virtual factories, robot fleets and its newly launched Industrial AI Cloud.<\/p>\n<p>Can this edge overcome stagnation and let the country truly take on its rivals?<\/p>\n<p>Read <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-industrial-ai-deutsche-telekom-china-us-robotics-car-industry\/a-75871997\">DW&#8217;s full report on Germany&#8217;s wager on artificial intelligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Germany is already harnessing AI for smarter production \u2014 with virtual factories, robot fleets and its newly launched Industrial AI Cloud.<\/p>\n<p>Can this edge overcome stagnation and let the country truly take on its rivals?<\/p>\n<p>Read <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-industrial-ai-deutsche-telekom-china-us-robotics-car-industry\/a-75871997\">DW&#8217;s full report on Germany&#8217;s wager on artificial intelligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76113840\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76113840_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"German Chancellor Merz (left) and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang (right) standing in front of a table before a formal lunch\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Merz was given a reception with military honors as well as a formal lunch upon arrival in China<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Michael Kappeler\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/china\/t-18480887\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> has arrived in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-chinese-relations\/t-66159650\">China for a two-day visit<\/a>. Merz will meet Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/xi-jinping\/t-17449321\">Xi Jinping<\/a> to discuss economic cooperation and global security and reportedly, human rights.<\/p>\n<p>The chancellor, who is traveling with a delegation of German business leaders, will visit China&#8217;s tech hub Hangzhou before returning to Berlin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Keep up to date with the latest on Merz&#8217;s trip on our <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/merz-in-china-german-chancellor-lands-in-beijing\/live-76110529\">DW live blog here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/china\/t-18480887\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> has arrived in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-chinese-relations\/t-66159650\">China for a two-day visit<\/a>. Merz will meet Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/xi-jinping\/t-17449321\">Xi Jinping<\/a> to discuss economic cooperation and global security and reportedly, human rights.<\/p>\n<p>The chancellor, who is traveling with a delegation of German business leaders, will visit China&#8217;s tech hub Hangzhou before returning to Berlin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Keep up to date with the latest on Merz&#8217;s trip on our <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/merz-in-china-german-chancellor-lands-in-beijing\/live-76110529\">DW live blog here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Germany&#8217;s parliament, the Bundestag, will vote on the purchase of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/drones-for-ukraine-made-in-germany\/a-64570826\">so-called &#8220;kamikaze drones&#8221;<\/a> on Wednesday. At issue is the acquisition of thousands of explosives-laden drones, produced by German start-ups and to be deployed with Bundeswehr soldiers stationed in Lithuania on <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/nato\/t-19016346\">NATO<\/a>&#8216;s eastern flank as a defensive measure against Russian aggression.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Germany&#8217;s army is seeking to acquire thousands of small drones capable of dropping their explosive charge on targets or crashing into them, hence the kamikaze moniker.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The initial order being voted upon today is worth about \u20ac536 million ($633 million), with an option to expand the order into the billions. The exact number of drones included has not been published. The Bundeswehr says the munitions would be deployed to Lithuania in 2027.<\/p>\n<p>The Bundestag is expected to approve purchases from the companies Helsing in Munich and Stark Defence in Berlin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Both companies say their drones are equipped with AI-supported defense systems that protect them against electrical jamming. Early issues with targeting inaccuracy have reportedly been fixed and both companies say they are testing their products in the field in Ukraine, claiming that they are &#8220;combat proven.&#8221; The Bundeswehr contract will contain an &#8220;innovation clause&#8221; to insure German forces have the most up-to-date equipment possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Both Helsing and Stark say their drones are capable of destroying &#8220;artillery, tanks and other military targets within a 100 kilometer (62 mile) radius.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>There are problems, however. The Green Party has objected to the deal and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his colleagues in the SPD have only recently signaled approval after initial concerns.<\/p>\n<p>The issue pertains to Stark and one of its investors \u2014 <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/peter-thiel-early-facebook-investor-to-leave-meta-board\/a-60692447\">US tech investment billionaire Peter Thiel<\/a>. A major backer of Vice President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/jd-vance\/t-70177094\">JD Vance<\/a>, German-born Thiel is known for his lack of faith in democracy \u2014 &#8220;I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible&#8221; \u2014 and this seriously worries some parliamentarians.<\/p>\n<p>Stark has sought to tamp down such concerns, pointing out that foreign investors must undergo rigorous Federal Economy Ministry vetting before they can acquire more than 10% of stocks and adding that Thiel has no say in the company&#8217;s day-to-day business.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, Thomas R\u00f6wenkamp of the CDU, said &#8220;open questions regarding overall cost, unit numbers and technical ability&#8221; will be resolved through &#8220;parliamentary processes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Palantir's rise: CIA supplier turned tech powerhouse\" class=\"headline\">Palantir&#8217;s rise: CIA supplier turned tech powerhouse<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-74826447\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"74826447\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/74822012_605.webp\" data-duration=\"12:34\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/she\/she20251120_BestOfTech_Gesamt_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Germany&#8217;s parliament, the Bundestag, will vote on the purchase of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/drones-for-ukraine-made-in-germany\/a-64570826\">so-called &#8220;kamikaze drones&#8221;<\/a> on Wednesday. At issue is the acquisition of thousands of explosives-laden drones, produced by German start-ups and to be deployed with Bundeswehr soldiers stationed in Lithuania on <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/nato\/t-19016346\">NATO<\/a>&#8216;s eastern flank as a defensive measure against Russian aggression.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Germany&#8217;s army is seeking to acquire thousands of small drones capable of dropping their explosive charge on targets or crashing into them, hence the kamikaze moniker.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The initial order being voted upon today is worth about \u20ac536 million ($633 million), with an option to expand the order into the billions. The exact number of drones included has not been published. The Bundeswehr says the munitions would be deployed to Lithuania in 2027.<\/p>\n<p>The Bundestag is expected to approve purchases from the companies Helsing in Munich and Stark Defence in Berlin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Both companies say their drones are equipped with AI-supported defense systems that protect them against electrical jamming. Early issues with targeting inaccuracy have reportedly been fixed and both companies say they are testing their products in the field in Ukraine, claiming that they are &#8220;combat proven.&#8221; The Bundeswehr contract will contain an &#8220;innovation clause&#8221; to insure German forces have the most up-to-date equipment possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Both Helsing and Stark say their drones are capable of destroying &#8220;artillery, tanks and other military targets within a 100 kilometer (62 mile) radius.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>There are problems, however. The Green Party has objected to the deal and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his colleagues in the SPD have only recently signaled approval after initial concerns.<\/p>\n<p>The issue pertains to Stark and one of its investors \u2014 <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/peter-thiel-early-facebook-investor-to-leave-meta-board\/a-60692447\">US tech investment billionaire Peter Thiel<\/a>. A major backer of Vice President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/jd-vance\/t-70177094\">JD Vance<\/a>, German-born Thiel is known for his lack of faith in democracy \u2014 &#8220;I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible&#8221; \u2014 and this seriously worries some parliamentarians.<\/p>\n<p>Stark has sought to tamp down such concerns, pointing out that foreign investors must undergo rigorous Federal Economy Ministry vetting before they can acquire more than 10% of stocks and adding that Thiel has no say in the company&#8217;s day-to-day business.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, Thomas R\u00f6wenkamp of the CDU, said &#8220;open questions regarding overall cost, unit numbers and technical ability&#8221; will be resolved through &#8220;parliamentary processes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><em>Guten Morgen<\/em> from DW in Bonn, where the sun is up and temperatures are forecast to be unseasonably warm.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Today we begin our coverage with Germany&#8217;s Bundestag voting on a massive deal that would supply so-called &#8220;kamikaze drones&#8221; to Bundeswehr troops stationed in Lithuania on NATO&#8217;s eastern flank.<\/p>\n<p>The much-needed drones are to be produced by two German startups, however, there is a snag. A key investor in one of the companies is no other than Peter Thiel, a German-born US billionaire buddy of\u00a0President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We are also expecting Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to appear before the Bundestag in the early afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned to DW for the latest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Guten Morgen<\/em> from DW in Bonn, where the sun is up and temperatures are forecast to be unseasonably warm.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Today we begin our coverage with Germany&#8217;s Bundestag voting on a massive deal that would supply so-called &#8220;kamikaze drones&#8221; to Bundeswehr troops stationed in Lithuania on NATO&#8217;s eastern flank.<\/p>\n<p>The much-needed drones are to be produced by two German startups, however, there is a snag. A key investor in one of the companies is no other than Peter Thiel, a German-born US billionaire buddy of\u00a0President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We are also expecting Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to appear before the Bundestag in the early afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned to DW for the latest.<\/p>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-to-vote-on-major-drone-deal\/live-76112929&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76112957_6.jpg&#8221;] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/59MRt German Bundeswehr troops in Lithuania are set to receive combat-ready drones in 2027Image: Alexander Welscher\/dpa\/picture alliance Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Germany&#8217;s Bundestag is scheduled to vote on a major purchase of armed drones for its troops Some parliamentarians are spooked by the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-1791832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1791832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1791832"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1791832\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1791832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1791832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1791832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}