On Tuesday, Germany’s parliament approved an landmark legislation that allows for unprecedented levels of government debt to be issued specifically for defense and infrastructure projects by modifying the nation's constitutionally mandated budgetary constraints.

Initially hesitant about endorsing the bill, the Greens agreed to provide their backing once assured last week that €100 billion from the dedicated fund would go toward fostering climate-related economic transformations.

Following the vote, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock highlighted the strong link between climate protection, energy policies, and security during the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD).

"This sends a clear and potent message, not just to our allies in Europe but around the globe as well. Germany is fully prepared to tackle the historic challenges brought about by the security and climate crises head-on," she stated.

This €100 billion for climate initiatives represents a direct investment in our future, which consequently impacts our prosperity and security. Let me clarify: climate policies are inherently security policies.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Robert Habeck, cautioned that it was now the responsibility of policymakers to enact the special fund.

“Efforts for climate protection in Germany won’t falter because of funding shortages anymore. The endeavor can only be jeopardized by incompetence or lack of resolve,” he stated.

Although climate change was still a prominent topic at last year’s Munich Security Conference, current geopolitical conflicts have pushed the issue off the political agenda. In snap federal elections in Germany in February, climate change was only a marginal topic.

At the BETD, Habeck informed Euronews that it was crucial to reintroduce the climate crisis onto the political agenda.

"All the lessons are present. The Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue has further emphasized this point. Issues related to security, pricing, and achieving climate neutrality – every aspect supports moving this agenda forward promptly and expanding upon past successes," he stated.

They require leaders who consistently communicate about this matter to both the populace and the general audience. Additionally, such individuals should be present in journalism, always posing pertinent inquiries.

When critiquing the initial version of the financial plan, the Greens at first charged that both the SPD and CDU were aiming to utilize this package as a means to fund their respective campaign pledges.

The Green party voiced concerns that the proposal did not include adequate pledges for environmental safeguards. Only following discussions between the SPD and the CDU/CSU parties was an accord achieved regarding the distribution of designated climate-related financial resources.

Democracy must be successful

In response to queries about countering the surge of right-wing and anti-democratic movements in Germany and Europe, Habeck stated that embracing a milder version of the right-wing populist stance is not an effective approach.

In cases where this occurred, populism and right-wing extremism invariably emerged victorious—particularly at the expense of traditional conservative parties, which seemed destined to be "consumed."

That’s precisely why we should do the opposite," stressed Habeck. "It's crucial to concentrate on our core principles and distinctly communicate how democracy, freedom of expression, and a multicultural community contribute valuable benefits and richness. However, merely stating these ideals isn’t sufficient. We must ensure that democracy achieves tangible success and effectively addresses critical issues.

Habeck mentioned the recent amendment to Germany's debt brake legislation by the parliament along with the boost in security and defense expenditures, both of which were long overdue.

"The traffic light coalition wouldn't have fallen apart if the CDU/CSU had acted as statesmen like my party did," he remarked.

"But perhaps the traffic light government is not the deciding element," Habeck went on to say.

The crucial point is that we've wasted valuable time. Many individuals have faced unemployment, and numerous businesses have declared bankruptcy. Our actions were insufficient and delayed when it came to supporting Ukraine, since the CDU/CSU didn’t make the move that our future opposition party made yesterday. This decision will burden them with blame for many years ahead.