Daily Briefing 18.05.2026, 10:53 (CEST)

Building permits up in Germany, but Iran war feared to slow trend

Building permits were up in Germany in the first quarter, according to official figures published on Monday, in what marked a ray of hope for the country struggling with a sustained housing...

Research: More voter support for AfD despite its move further right

German voters' willingness to back the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has risen sharply, according to extremism researcher Gideon Botsch, even though in his view the party is...

Report: Germany to invest billions in civil defence

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the government plans to significantly expand civil defence and population protection capacities in response to security threats.

Elversberg promoted to Bundesliga, Paderborn into play-offs

Elversberg secured promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time with a 3-0 win against Preussen Münster in the final matchday of the second division on Sunday.

Flag row: German parliament marks International Day against Homophobia

A rainbow flag was flying over the German parliament building in Berlin on Sunday to mark the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia.

German police kill escaped tiger, one animal handler seriously injured

German police shot dead a tiger that escaped from a private facility near the eastern city of Leipzig, with one man seriously injured in the incident, authorities said on Sunday.

Kahn warns of consequences of Germany's goalkeeper debate

Former Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has warned of the consequences of a lack of clarity regarding the question of who's going to be the Germany goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup.

German diesel cheaper than petrol for first time since early March

The price of diesel at German petrol stations fell below that of E10 for the first time since the beginning of March, the ADAC motoring association reported on Sunday.

German far-right party hits record 29% in national poll

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has risen to 29% in a poll by the opinion research institute INSA — the highest figure ever recorded for the party at the national level.

Vatican rejection of reforms would be 'catastrophe' for German Church

The head of the Central Committee of German Catholics, Irme Stetter-Karp, has urged the Vatican not to reject German Church's reform process.