Latest news with #MichaelKretschmer
Russia Today
25-05-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
German politician urges talks on restoring Nord Stream
Germany should consider adopting a 'positive approach' toward Moscow that would including restoring the Nord Stream gas pipelines, Michael Kretschmer, the prime minister of the state of Saxony in eastern Germany, has argued. The current hostile policy has been unproductive and has only harmed Germany's economy, the politician, who also serves as one of the deputy heads of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, said in an interview with Die Zeit on Sunday. 'Nord Stream is a possible opening for a conversation with Russia,' Kretschmer suggested, adding that such talks would benefit both nations. The German economy requires at least one-fifth of its gas supplies to come from Russia to function normally, he claimed. He also pointed out that various companies had begun relocating due to high production costs and energy prices. If the situation in the economy does not improve, Germany, not Russia, will have to 'change [its] course in one or two years,' he warned. Kretschmer's stance contrasts sharply with that of his party leader and federal chancellor, Friedrich Merz. Earlier this week, as part of a new sanctions push, Merz expressed support for an EU plan to ban any use of the Nord Stream gas pipelines and to block attempts to revive energy trade with Russia. The head of Saxony considers such an approach counterproductive. 'As long as we say that we don't want anything, we don't want gas supplies, we only impose sanctions, no one will talk to us,' he argued. The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipeline systems were built under the Baltic Sea to deliver Russian natural gas directly to Germany. Each system consisting of two pipelines was capable of delivering up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas a year. Three out of the pipelines' four lines were destroyed by underwater explosions in September 2022 in an act of sabotage that Russia believes was orchestrated by Western intelligence agencies. European gas prices surged after the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022 as pipeline gas imports from Russia mostly ceased due to sanctions and the Nord Stream sabotage. In 2021, Russian pipeline gas accounted for 32% of the total demand of the EU and UK, while Germany relied on Russia for 55% of its consumption, according to the European Council.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Use Nord Stream as leverage in Russia talks, argues German premier
A senior German conservative leader is in favour using the possible reopening of the Nord Stream gas pipelines as leverage to get Russia to the negotiating table. "Nord Stream is a possible opening for talks with Russia," said Michael Kretschmer, the deputy chairman of Germany's governing Christian Democrats (CDU), in an interview with the Zeit Online outlet released on Sunday. Kretschmer, who also serves as the premier of the eastern state of Saxony, argued 20% of Germany's gas needs should be covered with imports from Russia. Germany used to be highly dependent on Russian gas imports before the war in Ukraine, with energy prices soaring when supplies were cut in the wake of the invasion. New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has backed the European Commission's plan to block reactivation of the pipelines as part of a new sanctions package against Russia, intended to pressure Moscow into ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine. But Kretschmer said he did not find this strategy particularly helpful, noting there were two options to get Russia to agree to talks. "Either you try to force Russia, as has been the case up to now, or you try a positive approach," he said, adding he was a clear proponent of the latter. "As long as we say: We don't want anything, we don't want gas supplies, we're just imposing sanctions, there's no point [for Russia] in talking to us." The Nord Stream project includes two pipelines - Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 - leading from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea. After supplying Europe with gas for more than 10 years via Nord Stream 1, Moscow halted deliveries following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Nord Stream 2, while completed, was yet to begin operations at that time. Three of the pipelines' four strands were damaged in September 2022 in what was widely believed to have been an act of sabotage. Kretschmer said reactivating Nord Stream would also boost the German economy, noting that many companies were leaving the country amid high production costs, with energy prices being a central issue. "It would greatly improve our situation if we could obtain around 20% of our gas from Russia," the state leader said. While Kretschmer said he currently doesn't see any willingness to change strategy in Berlin, he was certain that "if economic developments continue as they are, we will be forced to change course in one or two years."
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CIRA Education inaugurates cutting-edge educational facility Saxony Egypt University for Applied Science & Technology
Cairo: In the presence of Minister President of Saxony Mr. Michael Kretschmer, and with representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Labor, CIRA Education proudly hosts the official opening ceremony of Saxony Egypt University for Applied Science and Technology (SEU), Egypt's largest private technological university in the greater Cairo region. This pioneering initiative, brought forward through CIRA's subsidiary, Al Ahly CIRA —a joint venture between CIRA and Al Ahly Capital Holding — brings leading German industry expertise from Saxony, Germany, to Egypt. The launch event was attended by several high-ranking government officials from Saxony and the rectors of leading Saxon universities. Following the inauguration by Presidential Decree. No. 308 of 2024, Saxony Egypt University opened its doors to students in September 2024. The newly established applied science and technology university sets itself apart as a premier institution by offering German education standards that ensure academic excellence and global recognition. SEU is committed to enhancing the landscape of technological education in Egypt by bringing together a comprehensive range of programs, developed in collaboration with leading Saxony-based partners, cutting-edge educational technology, innovative teaching methods, and state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and workshops to provide students with an unparalleled learning experience. A key strength of SEU's curriculum is its strong emphasis on practical learning, with 60% of studies dedicated to hands-on experience to facilitate seamless industry integration, abundant internship opportunities, cross- disciplinary collaboration, and global exposure – laying the groundwork for promising careers on a global scale. Among its strategic partnerships, SEU collaborates with prominent industry leaders such as DB Schenker, Raya Logistics, El Nada Hospital SODIC, La Vienna FC, Ta'ahel, Heliopolis El Shorouk Sporting Club, TUV Nord, and the Egyptian Paralympics Committee, offering valuable internships and career opportunities for its students and graduates. Graduates not only gain proficiency in the German language but also receive active support from SEU in entering the German job market, opening doors to international career prospects, which enable graduates with proficiency in the German language – facilitating their entry into both the Egyptian and German labor markets. This groundbreaking project, which represents Egypt's largest investment in technical education, focuses on enhancing the quality of education in Egypt's technology sector by integrating Saxony's successfully proven industry expertise. By aligning with Egypt's strategic direction to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), SEU is dedicated to strengthening the Egyptian labor market by producing a highly skilled workforce that meets the evolving demand of local industries and bridges the country's supply-demand gap for quality education in the technology space, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped with the practical knowledge and technical skills required in today's economy. The launch event commenced with a guided campus tour of SEU and continued with speeches from SEU President Prof. Mohamed Abdel Rahman Mohamed and Dr. Hassan Kalla, Chairman of CIRA Education, followed by addresses from the attending representatives of Egyptian ministries. To cap off the event, a signing ceremony was held for three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with globally recognized and reputable educational institutions in Saxony, Germany – namely the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG), the University of Applied Sciences Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau (WHZ), and the University of Applied Sciences Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TU). These agreements formalize SEU's deep-rooted collaboration with Saxony's leading universities, ensuring the direct transfer of German academic excellence, applied research methodologies, and industry-integrated education to Egypt. By leveraging the proven success of the German applied sciences model, these partnerships will provide SEU students with world-class curricula, hands-on training, and direct exposure to international best practices, positioning them at the forefront of Egypt's technology sector. A fourth MoU was signed with DEinternational, the service unit of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt). This agreement establishes DEinternational's role in delivering examinations and services, adhering to quality assurance standards on behalf of AHK Egypt to SEU. Under this partnership, DEinternational will provide German dual vocational and educational training (VET), allowing SEU students seamless integration into the German labor market. This collaboration is a vital step in strengthening the link between education and industry, ensuring that students gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary for success in both the German and Egyptian labor markets. Dr. Hassan El Kalla, Chairman of CIRA Education, emphasized the significance of this project, stating: 'We are profoundly grateful for the steadfast support from the government, which has been instrumental in the success of this project. We also deeply appreciate the indispensable contributions of our esteemed partners in Saxony, whose collaboration has been essential to the success of SEU. At CIRA Education, our mission has always been to empower individuals and foster sustainable development. With the launch of SEU, we are actively bringing this mission to life by enhancing skillsets, creating job opportunities, stimulating economic growth, and empowering Egyptian communities for long-term progress.' Mohamed El-Etreby, CEO of the National Bank of Egypt and Chairman of Al Ahly Capital Holding, affirmed that the establishment of Saxony Egypt University (SEU) marks a milestone in Egypt's journey towards advancing technical education and fostering innovation. He added that the partnership between Al Ahly Capital—the investment arm of the bank—and CIRA Education provides world-class educational opportunities aligned with the demands of the global labor market. El-Etreby further stated that Saxony Egypt represents a strategic investment in Egypt's future by equipping its youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive economic growth and sustainable development. Investor Relations Contact: Email: IR@ About CIRA Education Established in 1992, CIRA Education is the largest driver of human capital development in Egypt, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. With a belief in the transformative power of education, CIRA Education focuses on unlocking potential and fostering growth across all levels of learning. The company manages and operates 30 schools, three universities, and 9 Pre-Schools/Enrichment Centers in 12 different governorates, providing high- quality educational services to more than 60,000 students around Egypt. CIRA Education offers a diverse portfolio of curricula in the K-12 sector, including British, American, Canadian, French, and German systems, alongside the Egyptian National curriculum. By cultivating skills, knowledge, and character, CIRA Education empowers students to thrive in an ever-evolving world and contribute meaningfully to the progress of their communities and the nation. The PreK student body is 668 students, while K-12 sector has more than 34,000 students. As for higher education, currently has almost 20,000 students in 26 different faculties, according to 2024/2025 academic year's numbers. About Al Ahly CIRA Al Ahly CIRA for Educational Services S.A.E. is a strategic partnership between Al Ahly Capital Holding (ACH), the investment arm of the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), and CIRA Education, the largest listed educational services provider on the Egyptian Exchange, with a shared commitment to delivering world-class education. Al Ahly CIRA is focused on serving all segments of Egyptian society, with a special emphasis on providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to middle-income citizens. The partnership combines the strengths of Egypt's largest state-owned bank and a leading private sector player in the education sector, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful approach to shaping the future of education in Egypt. About Al Ahly Capital Holding Al Ahly Capital Holding (ACH) is investment arm of National Bank of Egypt (NBE) an innovative private shareholding company founded in 2008 with an authorized capital of EGP 40.0Bn for a mission to invest strategically in sectors that drive development and growth in Egypt. ACH operates a full range of services through three strategic pillars: Private Equity, Capital Markets, and Non-banking Financial Services. About SIS Middle East Saxony International School (SIS) in Egypt encompasses a diverse range of educational institutions and pioneering projects. SIS Cairo West serves as our flagship German school, offering a comprehensive education from kindergarten to grade 12, adhering to the same high standards as nearly 40 schools and kindergartens from SIS Germany. SIS Middle East is revolutionizing vocational education in Egypt, particularly in the automotive sector, through the application of the renowned German dual system. The portfolio has recently expanded to include SEU - Saxony Egypt University, a German university embracing the innovative dual system. Additionally, a Telc language center enables learners to obtain internationally recognized language certifications. About the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG) The University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG) is a distinguished institution in Germany specializing in engineering, business, social sciences, and environmental studies. Established in 1992, HSZG combines academic excellence with hands-on learning, offering practice-oriented study programs. The university maintains strong collaborations with industry and international partners, ensuring excellent career opportunities for graduates. With campuses in Zittau and Görlitz, it provides a dynamic learning environment with modern facilities. HSZG is recognized for its research strengths in renewable energy, sustainability, and interdisciplinary cooperation, contributing to innovative solutions for global challenges. About the University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ) The University of Applied Sciences Zwickau is a renowned institution in Germany specializing in engineering, economics, arts, and health sciences. With a history dating back to 1897, WHZ combines tradition with modern education, offering practice- oriented study programs. The university maintains strong partnerships with industry and international institutions, ensuring high employability for graduates. Its campuses in Zwickau and surrounding locations provide a dynamic learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities. WHZ is recognized for its research excellence, particularly in automotive engineering, mobility, and sustainable technologies. About the University of Applied Sciences Technische Unversität Bergakademie Freiberg (TU) The TU Bergakademie Freiberg is a prestigious institution in Germany specializing in natural sciences, engineering, and resource management. With a history dating back to 1765, TU Freiberg combines tradition with innovative research and education, focusing on sustainability and raw materials. The university maintains strong collaborations with industry and international partners, ensuring excellent career prospects for graduates. Its campus in Freiberg offers a vibrant academic environment with cutting-edge facilities. TU Freiberg is recognized for its expertise in geosciences, materials science, and energy technologies, contributing to global advancements in these fields. About the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt) AHK Egypt, also known as the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Egypt, is part of the global network of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK). Serving as the official business representation for German companies operating in Egypt, AHK Egypt plays a crucial role in fostering strong economic and trade relations between Germany and Egypt. The chamber not only supports German businesses with essential services such as advocacy, networking, and market insights, but also organizes events, forums, and initiatives designed to promote bilateral trade and investment. About DEinternational Egypt DEinternational Egypt, an integral part of the German Industry and Commerce (AHK) Egypt network, plays a pivotal role in supporting German businesses and investors in their ventures within Egypt. Specializing in providing comprehensive consulting services, DEinternational offers tailored solutions to facilitate the successful entry and expansion of German companies into the Egyptian market. DEinternational Egypt serves as a trusted partner for German companies looking to establish a presence in Egypt through offering market research, partner searches, and guidance on local regulations and business practices. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains certain forward-looking statements. A forward-looking statement is any statement that does not relate to historical facts and events, and can be identified by the use of such words and phrases as 'according to estimates', 'anticipates', 'assumes', 'believes', 'could', 'estimates', 'expects', 'intends', 'is of the opinion', 'may', 'plans', 'potential', 'predicts', 'projects', 'should', 'to the knowledge of', 'will', 'would' or, in each case their negatives or other similar expressions, which are intended to identify a statement as forward-looking. This applies, in particular, to statements containing information on future financial results, plans, or expectations regarding our business and management, our future growth or profitability and general economic and regulatory conditions and other matters affecting us. Forward-looking statements reflect our management's ('Management') current views of future events, are based on Management's assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performan ce or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The occurrence or non-occurrence of an assumption could cause our actual financial condition and results of operations to differ materially from, or fail to meet expectations expressed or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could also cause a forward-looking statement, estimate or prediction to become inaccurate. These risks include fluctuations in prices, costs, ability to retain the services of certain key employees, ability to compete successfully, changes in political, social, legal or economic conditions in Egypt, worldwide economic trends, the impact of war and terrorist activity, inflation, interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations and Management's ability to timely and accurately identify future risks to our business and manage the risks mentioned above.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Germany backs 'justified' sanctions on Russia amid calls for rethink
European sanctions on Russia are "justified, sensible and effective," a German government spokeswoman said on Monday. The comments by spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann in Berlin came after calls by senior politicians in eastern Germany for restrictions on Russia, imposed in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, to be re-examined. Michael Kretschmer, the conservative premier of the state of Saxony, said Germany's categorical refusal to loosen sanctions was "completely out of date" and in contrast to efforts by the United States. "If you're weakening yourself more than your opponent, you have to rethink what you're doing," Kretschmer told dpa. A spokeswoman for the German Foreign Office defended the sanctions and said "Russia has the option to end this war, which led to sanctions in the first place." Kretchmer's view was echoed by Dietmar Woidke, the centre-left premier of the state of Brandenburg, who said he would "of course be delighted if [Germany] could also re-establish normal economic relations with Russia." A major refinery for Russian oil in the town of Schwedt in Brandenburg was strongly affected by the sanctions. But a spokeswoman for the Economy Ministry said there were no plans to resume imports of Russian oil, as Germany has expended great effort to make itself independent of Russian energy.
Egypt Today
16-03-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Saxony-Egypt University For Applied Science and Technology to be inaugurated in April 2025
CAIRO – 16 March 2025: Ambassador to Berlin Mohamed al-Badry met earlier this week Prime Minister of Germany's Saxony State Michael Kretschmer in the framework of preparations for his visit to Egypt on April 8-10 where he will inaugurate Saxony-Egypt University For Applied Science and Technology (SEU) located in Cairo's Badr City. The meeting was also attended by Saxony State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy and Climate Protection Dirk Panter as there were discussions on bolstering trade exchange between Egypt and the state, and cooperating on renewable energy and green hydrogen projects, especially in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCzone). Similarly, the ambassador met the CEOs of the trade and industry chambers of Dresden and Leipzig to confer over collaboration on the same kind of projects, as well as vocational training. An existing successful example that Egypt aims to replicate is the Red Sea's Al Gouna hospitality school, which is an Egyptian-German joint venture.
