Daily Briefing 03.07.2026, 17:01 (CEST)

Police ready for deployment at German far-right AfD party conference

Around 600 members of the right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD) are gathering in Erfurt to elect the party leadership. The police have spent months preparing and intend to protect peaceful demonstrations.

German journalists slam planned reform of Freedom of Information Act

The German Journalists' Association (DJV) on Friday sharply criticized a planned reform of the Freedom of Information Act agreed by the country's coalition government.

Far fewer people applying for asylum in Germany

Significantly fewer people applied for asylum in Germany in the first six months of this year compared to last year, according to government figures.

Tens of thousands Mercedes workers join protest against planned cuts

IG Metall is calling on Mercedes-Benz employees to protest against the intensified cost-cutting measures. Actions are planned at several locations, with further protests across the automotive industry expected to follow.

Adoptions in Germany fall to lowest level since reunification

Fewer children were adopted in Germany last year than at any time since German reunification in 1990, according to official data released on Friday.

German man, 85, dies while in ICE custody in the US

According to US authorities, he arrived at the US border without valid documents. Now, an 85-year-old German man has died in the custody of the notorious immigration agency ICE.

Germany hails ties on 250th birthday of US - but hints at concern

President Trump is also receiving congratulations from Federal President Steinmeier on the occasion of the USA's 250th anniversary. He emphasizes the close historical ties — and has a message for today's political landscape.

German federal state makes move away from Microsoft

The federal state aims to secure its digital independence through open-source solutions. In the long term, more than 50,000 employees are set to work with the new systems.

Klopp wants job as Nagelsmann resigns as Germany coach

Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp wants to become Germany coach, the German Football Federation (DFB) said on Friday after announcing Julian Nagelsmann's resignation after their early World Cup exit.

Germany's road transport remains reliant on fossil fuels

Despite the electric vehicle boom, road transport remains a fossil-fuel giant: diesel and gasoline continue to account for more than 97 percent of consumption. Electric vehicles are gaining ground only slowly.