“If the world keeps its current policies unchanged, global temperatures are expected to rise by three degrees Celsius (on average). And this could cost India roughly 19 % of GDP by 2050, compared to a world without climate change,” First Deputy Governor of the Deutsche Bundesbank Sabine Mauderer said in an interview with Indian newspaper “The Economic Times”. She also spoke about the global economic impact of climate change and the work of the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS).

Germany is facing major challenges. Smart, consistent and reliable economic policy could set out the framework and unleash the sense of change we now need, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel commented. In a speech at the Berlin School of Economics, Mr Nagel presented twelve points that he believes are key to boosting growth in Germany. For each set of topics, he examined four points: for an increased supply of labour, for the necessary transition towards net zero, and for a more dynamic corporate sector.

According to the current Monthly Report, access to cash in Germany is currently largely secure despite the progressive reduction in ATMs and bank branches. For example, the majority of the population has access to an ATM or bank counter within five kilometres, although urban areas are noticeably better served than rural areas. The Bank’s experts write that, in order for the freedom of choice between cash and digital means of payment to endure, infrastructure for the supply of cash must remain intact in future. 

The Bundesbank is expanding its reform proposals for central government’s debt brake. With regard to the debt ratio, Germany is doing well by international standards. Our reform proposal for the debt brake preserves sound public finances whilst at the same time facilitating urgently needed investment, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said. The concept supports measures needed to strengthen infrastructure and defence whilst ensuring sustainable public finances over the long term, in line with European rules.