Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK)
Agency overview
Formed	23 October 1917 as the Reichswirtschaftsamt
Jurisdiction	Government of Germany
Headquarters	Berlin/Bonn
Employees	2,187
Annual budget	€10.434 billion (2021)
Minister responsible	Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (German: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz), often called BMWK, is a major government department in Germany. It helps manage Germany's economy and works to protect the climate. This ministry is part of the Cabinet of Germany, which is like the main team of leaders in the German government.

A Quick Look at the Ministry's Past

The BMWK has a long history. It started way back in 1917 as the Reich Economic Office. After World War II, it became the Federal Ministry of Economics in 1949.

Over the years, its name and responsibilities changed a few times. Sometimes, it joined with other ministries, like the Ministry of Finance or parts of the Labour Ministry. These changes were made to help the government focus on different important areas. For example, it was once called the "Ministry of Economics and Technology" and later the "Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy."

In 2021, it got its current name, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. This new name shows how important climate protection has become for Germany's economy.

How the Ministry is Organized

Headquarters of the BMWK in Berlin.

The main building's facade.

Inside the entrance hall.

The ministry has its main offices in Berlin. It is divided into several departments, each focusing on a different important area. These departments help the ministry do its work effectively.

Here are some of the key areas they cover:

• European Policy: Working with other countries in Europe.
• Economic Policy: Making rules and plans for how the economy works.
• Economic Stabilisation and Energy Security: Making sure the economy stays strong and Germany has enough energy.
• Climate Action: Developing plans to fight climate change.
• Energy Policy: Managing how Germany gets and uses energy, like heating and electricity.
• Industrial Policy: Supporting German industries and businesses.
• External Economic Policy: Dealing with trade and economic relationships with countries outside Germany.
• Digital and Innovation Policy: Helping Germany use new technologies and ideas.
• SME Policy: Supporting small and medium-sized businesses, which are very important for the economy.

Agencies the Ministry Works With

The BMWK also oversees several important agencies. These agencies help carry out the ministry's goals.

Some of these agencies include:

• Federal Cartel Office: This office makes sure that companies compete fairly and no single company becomes too powerful.
• Federal Network Agency: This agency manages important networks like electricity, gas, and telecommunications.
• Federal Office of Economics and Export Control: This office handles rules for trade and exports.
• Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing: This institute tests materials to make sure they are safe and high quality.
• Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources: This institute studies the Earth's resources and geology.
• German National Metrology Institute: This institute makes sure measurements are accurate and reliable across Germany.

Who Leads the Ministry?

The person in charge of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is called the Federal Minister. This minister is a very important member of the German government.

The current Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is Robert Habeck. He is a member of the Green Party.

      CDU       SPD       FDP       IND       CSU       Green

Name		Portrait	Party	Term of Office		Chancellor
Federal Minister for Economics
1	Ludwig Erhard		CDU	20 September 1949	16 October 1963	Adenauer
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
22	Robert Habeck		Green	8 December 2021	Incumbent	Scholz

Images for kids

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  Kurt Schmücker

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  Karl Schiller

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  Helmut Schmidt

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  Hans Friderichs

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  Otto Graf Lambsdorff

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  Manfred Lahnstein

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  Martin Bangemann

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  Helmut Haussmann

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  Jürgen Möllemann

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  Werner Müller

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  Wolfgang Clement

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  Michael Glos

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  Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

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  Rainer Brüderle

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  Philipp Rösler

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  Sigmar Gabriel

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  Brigitte Zypries

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  Peter Altmaier