Daily Briefing 23.10.2026, 17:00 (CEST)

German foreign minister says shipping disruptions could lead to famine

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Friday called for joint action to protect international shipping routes ahead of talks with counterparts from seven countries in Istanbul.

Ex-German chancellor Schröder appears at China governance forum

Former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder made a surprise appearance at a forum on global governance in China on Friday, weeks after he stirred controversy by visiting Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin.

German pharma industry expects sales to fall amid US trade tensions

Germany's pharmaceutical industry expects output and sales to decline this year as trade tensions with US President Donald Trump weigh on the sector, according to a forecast by the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (VFA) seen by dpa.

Verdi calls first nationwide strikes at German private banks

The German services trade union verdi has called for the first nationwide strikes at private banks in wage talks covering about 150,000 employees, it said on Friday.

German construction orders post biggest rise since 1991

Orders in Germany's construction industry surged by a record 23% in August compared with the previous month, driven by several major contracts, the Federal Statistical Office reported on Fr...

German conservatives closing gap with far-right AfD, poll shows

A new poll shows Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc closing the gap with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), though his coalition would still fall short of a majority if an election were held.

Suspected Russian spy in pre-trial detention in Germany

A suspected spy for Russia was being held in pre-trial detention in Germany on Friday following his arrest in the eastern state of Brandenburg.

Kramaric shines as Hoffenheim stun Lyon in the Europa League

Andrej Kramaric had a brilliant evening as Hoffenheim stunned Ligue 1 leaders Lyon in a 3-0 triumph on Thursday to claim their first win in the Europa League this season.

Report: Mercedes-Benz to slash temporary workforce in Germany

Mercedes-Benz plans to slash thousands of temporary jobs in Germany as part of its cost-cutting programme, business newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Friday, citing company sources.

Dortmund coach Kovac not sentimental against ex-club Frankfurt

Niko Kovac will be fully focussed on his Borussia Dortmund coaching job and will have no sentimental feelings in Saturday's Bundesliga match against his former club Eintracht Frankfurt.