Pursued under the concept of the Green Deal, the energy transition is one of the strongest and most damaging factors influencing the economy of the Federal Republic of Germany and therefore the economy of Europe.

Ukraine´s accession to EU could go faster if Kiev can provide something that Brussels urgently needs: energy, for example. The groundwork for this "deal" has already been laid.

The European Central Bank recorded a loss in 2023 for the first time in around 20 years. Now, with the help of the key interest rate, they are being written off. This is to the detriment of the weakening economy.

The energy turnaround is one of the strongest and most damaging influences on the economy of the Federal Republic, and therefore on the economy of Europe. This policy is being pursued in a double game between the Commission and Olaf Scholz's cabinet.

The European Union's rigorous energy policy is contributing massively to the indebtedness of the Member States and is causing serious problems for parts of the industry.

The EU Commission, together with the Council, has been intervening massively in the European energy market - without proper legislative procedure and by disregarding the Member States' reservations of sovereignty.

In my view, 2023 was characterised by three very negative developments within the EU, the disastrous effects of which will only be felt slowly and over many years.

The bankruptcy of SIGNA Holding is sending shockwaves through the construction and retail sectors. However, it is very clear that banks, insurance companies and politicians have contributed significantly to this misery.

The EU countries are not able to compensate for the economic losses caused by the sanctions against the Russian Federation. The process of deindustrialisation in Europe continues. This is resulting in a permanent loss of wealth for Western societies.

From the basic economics course we know that a central bank has to intervene here and raise key interest rates to push inflation down. This can work if the economy is strong enough. But if the economy is not strong enough, there is a danger of recession.