Daily Briefing 05.05.2026, 15:48 (CEST)

AI offers Germany 'opportunity for a comeback,' digital minister says

Germany should aim for greater independence from foreign digital platforms and companies, Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger said at a trade fair in Hamburg.

German pharmacies decline as sector warns of underfunding

The number of pharmacies in Germany continued to decline at the start of the year, according to data released on Tuesday by the German Pharmacists' Association.

Suspect in deadly Leipzig car ramming to appear before judge

The driver suspected of carrying out a deadly car ramming in the eastern German city of Leipzig is due to appear before a judge after two people were killed and three were seriously injured...

Germany receives €4.6 billion from EU's Covid-19 recovery fund

Germany has received a disbursement of €4.6 billion ($5.4 billion) from the European Union's Covid-19 recovery fund, the European Commission said.

Germany's Merz urges Iran to return to talks after UAE attacks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Iran's leadership to return to negotiations after Tehran launched missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates.

German government's approval ratings slide to 11%, poll finds

The German government's approval rating slid to just 11% in a poll released, one day before Chancellor Friedrich Merz marks his first anniversary in office. 

Frankfurt Airport operator sees turnover up despite Iran war, strikes

The operator of Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt has reported an increase in turnover in the first quarter of 2026 despite the war in Iran and strike action at Lufthansa. 

German vaccine maker BioNTech to cut up to 1,860 jobs, close plants

German vaccine manufacturer BioNTech, which rose to global prominence with its Covid-19 vaccine developed alongside Pfizer, plans to close several production sites, with up to 1,860 jobs af...

German couple admit €1.9 million parking meter theft at trial

A married couple on trial over the theft of nearly €1.9 million ($2.2 million) from parking meters in southern Germany has fully confessed to the charges at the start of proceedings.

Berlin senate unanimously endorses plans for potential Olympic bid

The Berlin senate has unanimously endorsed the plans for a potential Olympic bid.