Daily Briefing 25.08.2026, 16:38 (CEST)

German economy grows 0.3% in second quarter, beating estimate

The German economy grew 0.3% in the second quarter from the previous three months, slightly more than the initially estimated 0.2%, the Federal Statistical Office said.

Study: Germans swap friends for screens as classic socializing fades

Traditional socializing is losing ground in Germany, with the share of people regularly spending time with friends falling from 37% to 19% over the past 40 years, according to a new survey ...

Nearly one in 12 German long-distance trains cancelled in first half

Almost one in 12 long-distance trains operated by Germany's national rail company Deutsche Bahn were cancelled entirely or for part of their route in the first half of 2026, according to go...

Germany deports 23 Afghan men in latest flight to Kabul

Germany deported 23 Afghan men to their country of origin on a charter flight early Tuesday, carrying out the latest repatriations despite criticism from opposition lawmakers and rights gro...

German president: Naturalized citizens are not second-class

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke out in favour of immigration and warned against discrimination against naturalized citizens amid heated rhetoric over migration and calls by t...

Zelensky thanks Germany for saving 'countless lives'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Chancellor Friedrich Merz for Germany's support in defending his country, writing on X that Berlin was playing a leading role in preservin...

Müller and Hummels acquire shares in Portuguese club Estrela Amadora

Former Germany players Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels have acquired shares in Portuguese club Estrela Amadora.

Germany's Merz vows response to summer of heat and drought

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to take concrete action in response to this summer's heatwaves and drought, after touring the western region hit by recent wildfires.

German construction orders rise 11% in June as employment hits 545,000

Germany's construction sector posted strong growth in June, with orders, revenue and employment all rising, the Federal Statistical Office said.

Volkswagen to face employees amid anger over cost-cutting plans

Volkswagen employees and managers are set to face off during the first of a series of extraordinary meetings at the carmaker's major German sites amid mounting anger over a cost-cutting dri...