17 April 2026

International talks on current crises: Lars Klingbeil at the IMF spring meetings

The Finance Minister’s trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank provided another stark reminder that the war in Iran will be impacting the global economy for a long time to come. All of the discussions focused on how the war is affecting energy markets, supply security and economic growth.

Lars Klingbeil walks along the flags of various countries. — Source:Federal Ministry of Finance / Photothek

“The geopolitical and economic impact of the war in Iran is the main focus of our talks in Washington. This war is not our war, but we are feeling the consequences in Germany, and it is affecting growth and global stability. It is therefore all the more important that we meet and engage with our international partners.” Lars Klingbeil at the start of the spring meetings

Discussions during the IMF and World Bank meetings, as well as in the G7 and G20 formats, therefore focused on the implications of the current crisis for Europe, for Germany and for Germany’s economic and fiscal policy.

In this kind of situation, decisive political action and close international cooperation are crucial. That’s why, alongside the official meetings, Minister Klingbeil held numerous bilateral talks with his European counterparts and engaged in discussions with businesspeople.

For the German government, it is clear that prompt relief must be provided where it is needed. At the same time, the government is pressing ahead with its reform agenda to make Germany stronger, more resilient and more self-sufficient.

In the E6 format together with his French, Italian, Spanish, Polish and Dutch counterparts, Minister Klingbeil therefore also addressed the question of how to further strengthen Europe’s resilience, sovereignty and competitiveness and drive forward key initiatives like the capital markets union. “This is a game changer for investment and growth in Germany and the whole of Europe,” he emphasised.

It is also essential not to lose sight of Ukraine amid current developments. In this respect, too, Minister Klingbeil sent out a clear signal by joining international partners at a donor’s meeting that he co-hosted with Norway’s finance minister, Jens Stoltenberg. Germany remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine.