German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche Advances Energy Policy Rollback

Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) is promoting a rapid overhaul of Germany's energy policy, aiming to reduce subsidies, lower costs, and accelerate the passage of a new heating law that would deregulate the current climate‑friendly measures. Her plans include expanding gas‑power infrastructure and revising the building‑renovation act, which critics say could delay the country's climate goals.

The proposals have drawn strong opposition from Green politicians and several state governments. Green Party deputy chairman Sven Giegold and other officials presented an alternative ten‑point plan in Lüneburg, emphasizing decentralized renewable energy and citizen‑owned projects. Critics warn that the roll‑back could undermine Germany's target of climate neutrality by 2045 and raise heating costs for tenants.

The debate centers on whether Reiche's approach will pass through the Bundestag and Bundesrat before the summer recess, and how it will affect the broader energy transition and industrial competitiveness.