A growing number of EU states are looking to introduce border controls in response to the refugee crisis. But the economic fall-out is considerable. Problems include tailbacks at border crossings, delays in just-in-time deliveries within the bloc, and rising prices for products from subsidiaries and suppliers.

Made in Germany reporter Karl Harenbrock accompanied a truck driver transporting a delivery from Marcali in Hungary to the headquarters of German company Ziehl-Abegg in Künzelsau.

The end of the EU in its current form appears to be inevitable, what with a lack of consensus with regards to the refugee crisis and a possible Brexit looming on the horizon.

Reporter Milto Schmidt considers the future of the bloc and the potential repercussions of its demise.

The Heidelberg Cement plant in Wetzlar is facing demolition. Though long profitable, it was slated for closure ten years ago, when the construction industry was looking sluggish.

Made in Germany reporter Christian Pricelius met with demolition expert Eduard Reisch. In this episode it’s time for the controlled explosion to take place. Hopefully, Reisch’s meticulous planning will ensure everything goes to plan.

With disagreement rife between member states and borders closing, the EU has never looked more polarized. Are its days numbered? We’ll be talking to Kai-Olaf Lang from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

Germany’s energy transition is an example of a successful switch to renewable energy. Last year, the renewables sector met a higher percentage of the country’s energy needs than the conventional-energy sector.

Reporter Joachim Eggers went to North Frisia to meet a pioneer of wind energy.

Is Volkswagen of systemic importance to the German economy? Germany is very car-fixated. The industry is a flagship of the country’s engineering skill and an export champion. Andreas Neuhaus finds out how deep VW’s roots in German business and everyday culture reach.

We’ll be talking to Urs Müller from the European School of Management and Technology about the flaws in VW’s leadership culture and the need for stricter ethics codes on the executive levels. How do major business scandals affect the German economy as a whole?

The Heidelberg Cement plant is to be demolished. Long profitable, it was slated for closure ten years ago, when the construction business was looking sluggish. Christian Pricelius met with demolition expert Eduard Reisch.

The figures speak for themselves. The German economy is growing steadily, with Germany running up a record trade surplus. Meanwhile, German consumers are making the most of low oil prices. Marion Hütter on the flourishing German economy and latent fears.

Record losses, more reserves for litigation, austerity measures waiting to be implemented - no wonder Germany’s biggest bank is in crisis. Shares have fallen by over 30 percent since the start of 2016. Milto Schmidt finds out what’s going on at this formerly unassailable bank.