Winter is coming and Germany is bracing for cold months with less Russian energy to heat homes and keep industry bustling. The center-left government coalition has unveiled a new plan to deal with potential shortages.

Germany has seen a huge rise in sales of electric heaters as the winter draws nearer. Many fear there will not be enough gas around to heat homes.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has firmed up its plans for addressing the energy crisis as the country heads into winter. The plans still need to win the approval of Germany's state leaders.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner, whose FDP party is losing ground in the polls, has once again raised the debate of fracking for natural gas. The proposal could crack the governing coalition, as well as the bedrock.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck wants to stop the sale of a chip production plant to a Chinese investor. The Green Party politician has expressed concern about giving China control over key infrastructure.

The Ukraine war has eaten up the Bundewehr's munitions stockpile, sparking concern among politicians and the military. Meanwhile, inflation is eating away at the €100 billion in extra military spending pledged by Berlin.

A prominent environmental group accused Berlin of failing to meet its own climate goals. It is asking for an emergency program to salvage the targets.

Germany's government wants higher safety standards for smaller ships. Sea rescue organizations see this demand as a violation of the coalition agreement and as a hindrance to their mission.

The war in Ukraine is proving expensive, even in Germany, where the government has to save money and decide what is more important: International security or social welfare?

A potential ban could be on the table, media reports said. A German government spokesperson rejected the claim.

Germany is currently the only country that has an actual plan to reduce energy demand permanently. Its goal is to reduce gas consumption by 20 percent, and includes a set of energy savings provisions for both companies and state entities.

Germany's center-left government wants to lower the voting age for nationwide elections from 18 to 16. Many young people support the idea, but the majority of the population has expressed skepticism.