Germany Low-level agents in Germany: Russia's covert shadow force Germany is turning into a frontline for hybrid warfare, with German intelligence warning that Russia is recruiting so-called "low-level agents" – ordinary civilians paid small sums to carry out acts of sabotage or espionage. 27/10/2025
World News Demolition of Germany's Gundremmingen nuclear plant cooling towers The two towers, equivalent to roughly 56,000 tonnes of concrete, collapsed in a controlled demolition on Saturday. It comes as part of Germany's nuclear phaseout. 25/10/2025
Art The Scharf Collection opens for its first large-scale exhibition The iconic collection will feature more than 150 artworks by major artists like Manet, Degas and Picasso. 25/10/2025
Economy Too costly to mint? Germany says 'nein' to silver commemorative coins The German finance ministry has halted the release of two silver coins after a surge in metal prices made minting them uneconomical. The decision marks a cautious pause in a decades-long tradition that celebrates German culture and innovation. 24/10/2025
Europe News France and Spain back 2035 diesel and petrol car ban, letter reveals In a letter sent to EU leaders, Paris and Madrid state that the target must be kept, but ask for "made in Europe" incentives to help the struggling automotive industry. 23/10/2025
World News Germany secures wages of 12,000 local US Army employees amid budget crisis in Washington The German federal government stepped in three weeks after the start of the US government shutdown. 23/10/2025
No Comment Pumpkins take centre stage at Germany’s biggest autumn festival Autumn in Germany means pumpkins take centre stage at the Klaistow farm, located about 56 kilometres southwest of Berlin. 23/10/2025
Europe News EU countries mull response to China's squeeze on rare earths China's restrictions on rare earths are expected to be raised during a meeting of EU leaders as capitals mull how to respond. 22/10/2025
Germany Merz rejects calls to drop 'firewall' and work with Germany's AfD The far-right AfD party finished second in Germany's snap national election in February and polls since then have shown its support base continues to grow. 20/10/2025
The Cube Did pro-Russian supporters fly a Putin hot air balloon in Berlin? Social media users claim that the alleged stunt was to show support for Russia rather than Ukraine. 20/10/2025
Culture news What is 2025's German Youth Word of the Year? Every year, Germany’s youth select their annual "Youth Word of the Year", which is voted for by youngsters around the country. 20/10/2025
Economy Germany greenlights €2,000 tax-free earnings for pensioners From 2026, Germany will keep expert retirees in the labour market by allowing them to earn up to €2,000 a month tax-free. 15/10/2025
Economy German economic sentiment edges higher but recovery remains fragile Germany’s ZEW economic sentiment slightly rose in October, yet annual inflation accelerated to 2.4% last month, driven by rising service costs. Markets fell, with the DAX down 0.9%, as renewed US-China trade tensions weighed on sentiment. 14/10/2025
Tech News Chat Control on hold, Europe's Eastern flank remains passive Germany’s withdrawal freezes CSAR, yet the EU’s eastern flank remains passive, signalling a deeper malaise: inefficient interministerial cooperation, capital–PermRep disconnects, and a habit of sidelining digital policy. 11/10/2025
No Comment Festival of Lights brings colour and creativity to Berlin nights Berlin’s skyline was illuminated on Thursday evening as the city marked the opening of its annual Festival of Lights, transforming landmarks and public spaces into radiant works of art. 10/10/2025
Tech News Good drones, bad drones: The battle to clear up Germany's skies Germany will allow its police officers to shoot down drones. But could the new policy be a danger to aerial vehicles carrying life-saving medicines? 10/10/2025
Germany Daughter, 17, suspected in stabbing of newly elected mayor in Germany Iris Stalzer, 57, was found at home with multiple stab wounds at her home in Herdecke in western Germany on Tuesday. Her life is no longer in danger. 08/10/2025
Economy Germany projects a sliver of growth, betting on Merz’s €500bn overhaul Despite a slightly improved growth projection, Merz’s coalition is banking on infrastructure spending and quicker investment approvals to revive momentum. 08/10/2025
Poland Tusk says extraditing Nord Stream suspect 'not in Poland's interest' Volodymyr Z — a Ukrainian man wanted in Germany in connection with the Nord Stream blasts in September 2022 — was detained near Warsaw last month. 08/10/2025
Europe News I’m the clearest defender of Israel in Brussels, Germany’s FM says On the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attacks on Israel, Johann Wadephul praised himself of being "the one who always stands most clearly on Israel's side" when he is surrounded by his EU counterparts in Brussels. 08/10/2025