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Sonja Issel

Cinema

From east to west: Berlinale film explores German reunification

While historic scenes of celebrations at the Brandenburg Gate spread worldwide as Germany reunified, four filmmakers documented the quiet, contrasting everyday life at Friedrichstrasse station in 1990. A thought-provoking, unusual look back at the 90s at this year's Berlinale.

Cinema

Sexual violence in the Ukraine war: Seven women break their silence

They survived Russian imprisonment, torture and sexual violence. In "Traces", seven Ukrainian women tell their story - and transform pain into strength. A documentary about war crimes, dignity and the fight for justice.

Cinema

'Brat' at Berlinale: what's behind the neon green posters?

"Being cheeky and caring only about yourself" – that’s what fans of singer Charli xcx call "brat". Last summer's hottest pop trend has now been wrapped up for the big screen in 'The Moment' - a mockumentary where Charli plays herself in the lead role.

Cinema

Berlinale 2026: Politics and protests dominate opening ceremony

Berlinale jury President Wim Wenders has made clear that film can only change people and not politicians but at the Berlin film festival's red carpet opening ceremony, political protest grabbed all of the attention.

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Cinema

Berlinale 2026: The world premieres we're most looking forward to

The 76th Berlinale begins on Thursday with films from 28 countries competing for the coveted Golden Bear. Political issues are set to dominate the agenda again with many titles celebrating their world premieres in the German capital.

Space

Second home in space? This planet is amazingly similar to Earth

A faint signal from old telescope data is causing a stir in astronomy: a planet barely larger than Earth, with an almost identical orbital period, and a star astonishingly similar to our sun. It is still unclear whether life could exist there.

World News

Iran classifies EU militaries as terrorist groups in a reciprocal move

Tehran is reacting to the latest EU decision with a symbolic counter-measure, thereby intensifying the political escalation between Iran and Europe.

Germany

Russia uses 'shadow mail' to bypass EU sanctions, report reveals

Russia has been bypassing EU sanctions using Berlin logistics and lighter-controlled international mail, according to an investigation by German media. In response, the Ukrainian envoy has called for tougher enforcement.

Germany

Bavarian AfD proposes ICE-style police unit for deportations

Bavaria's AfD suggests a police unit similar to US immigration agency ICE for tracking asylum seekers and deportations, amid criticism of ICE's harsh tactics and recent deadly incidents.

Germany

Arrests made in Germany as police target pro-Russian networks

German authorities have repeatedly warned about agents supposedly recruited online to carry out tasks such as taking photos of key industrial and military sites.

Germany

45,000 homes in Berlin without power after left-wing extremist attack

A suspected arson attack has caused a widespread power cut in Berlin since Saturday. Authorities said on Sunday that it was a result of a politically motivated attack by “left-wing extremists".

Switzerland

First four victims identified in Swiss Alps bar fire that killed 40

Regional police said on Saturday that the bodies of four victims — two aged 16, an 18-year-old and a 21-year-old, all of them Swiss citizens — had been identified and handed over to their families.

World News

New race to the moon: could a German be first this time?

Man is returning to the moon - and with him old rivalries and new ambitions. Europe wants to have its say; Germany wants to be at the forefront. A historic opportunity beckons for Berlin.

World News

Berlin and London join forces to upgrade artillery weapon systems

Germany and the United Kingdom are purchasing modern, mobile artillery for around 61 million euros. The deal is part of an intensified military cooperation—including plans for a joint long-range weapon.

Germany

Germany summons Russian ambassador over alleged election interference

The foreign ministry said that Germany "would take a series of countermeasures to make Russia pay a price for its hybrid actions in close coordination with our European partners."

World News

Netanyahu says second phase of ceasefire expected 'very shortly'

The meeting between Merz and Netanyahu revealed clear differences in their stance on Gaza and the two-state solution, however both leaders emphasised their commitment to maintaining a close bilateral relationship.

World News

Merz promotes peace plan with Abbas ahead of visit to Israel

In the run-up to his trip to Israel, the German Chancellor spoke with Mahmoud Abbas about the US peace plan and called for reforms in the Palestinian leadership. The goal remains a negotiated solution for more security in the region.

World News

Switzerland rejects compulsory service for women and tax for the super-rich

While the extension of compulsory service received less than 20 per cent support in many cantons, the debate on wealth tax centred on the attractiveness of the location and climate financing.

Business

Affordable café chain LAP divides Berlin over coffee prices

An ambitious start-up is antagonising café owners with cheap €2.50 coffee. What began as start-up hype has turned into an open conflict in the coffee scene - with tangible consequences.

Germany

Germany inches closer to bringing back mandatory military service

The newly negotiated compromise, released on Thursday, makes the registration and medical screening of all males over 18 mandatory. A questionnaire will also become compulsory where each applicant must detail their willingness to serve.

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