Daily Briefing 11.11.2026, 17:00 (CET)

Climate activists cut birthday cake for absent Merz at COP summit

German climate activists cut a slice of birthday cake on Wednesday for Chancellor Friedrich Merz - who has skipped the UN climate talks in the Turkish city of Antalya - in protest at his decision to stay home for a 71st birthday meal with his family.

EU executive unveils raft of measures to protect consumers online

The European Commission wants to make it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, under sweeping proposals unveiled on Wednesday.

Revellers brave rain as Carnival season begins in Germany

Revellers in costumes braved rainy weather on Wednesday as Carnival season kicked off in Germany, with festivities focusing particularly on the western cities of Cologne, Dusseldorf and Mainz.

EU finalizes 2027 budget of almost €2 billion

The European Union's 2027 budget stands at €199.7 billion ($222.61 billion), the bloc's member states announced early on Wednesday, following overnight negotiations with the European Parlia...

Unemployment among German university graduates hits record high

Unemployment among university graduates in Germany has reached a record high, with younger people particularly affected by the country's struggling economy and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), the Federal Employment Agency said.

Major economies lag on climate action, new ranking finds

Most of the world's major economies are performing poorly in the fight against climate change, according to an international ranking released during the UN's annual summit in Turkey.

Siemens Energy more than doubles annual profit to €4.1 billion

German energy technology group Siemens Energy more than doubled its annual net profit to €4.1 billion ($4.6 billion), driven by booming demand for gas turbines and power grid equipment as well as a sharp reduction in losses at its wind power division.

NHL star: Russia's participation in ice hockey worlds 'not up to us'

NHL star Alexander Ovechkin said he wants to represent Russia at the men's 2027 ice hockey world championships, but that a decision is not in his hands.

Germany's Ter Stegen: Starting position at Euro 2028 not a guarantee

Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen doesn't want to assume that he's guaranteed a spot in Germany's starting line-up for Euro 2028.

Merz warns EU budget deal hinges on securing funding for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on Tuesday that his support for the EU's next multi-year budget hinges on securing long-term funding for Ukraine.