Daily Briefing 21.01.2025, 16:54 (CET)

German conservative leader says 'sensible talks' with Trump possible

German centre-right opposition leader Friedrich Merz sees an urgent need for coordination among allied European countries following the inauguration of the new US President Donald Trump.

Court: Far-right AfD in German state of Saxony is an extremist group

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party organization in the eastern German state of Saxony can be designated as a known far-right extremist group, an appeals court ruled on Tuesday.

Industry: German EV sales need to jump 75% to hit EU fleet targets

To comply with stricter CO2 emissions limits for new car fleets in the European Union, Germany's automotive industry believes that a significant ramp-up in electric cars will be needed this year.

Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer warns of democracy's fragility

Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer has warned of growing threats to democracy as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp approaches.

Parcel services in Germany increasingly deliver to automated machines

Parcel delivery services in Germany expect to continue increasing the number of automatic parcel lockers and other machines for handling deliveries to customers.

Germany's growing heat pump industry expects sales boost in 2025

Following a slump in sales last year, Germany's heat pump industry is expecting sales figures to rise significantly again in 2025, the German Heat Pump Association (BWP) said on Tuesday.

Bayern sign Hoffenheim's German talent Bischof from July

Bayern Munich have signed German talent Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim for next season, the Bundesliga leaders said on Tuesday.

German car industry sees tough 2025 ahead, especially in electric

Germany's struggling car industry, long a symbol of German manufacturing prowess and export dominance, may face further difficulties in the coming year as EU emissions limits get stricter and new US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs.

Berlinale film festival reveals parts of programme

The upcoming Berlin International Film Festival will include films from directors Richard Linklater, Michel Franco and Hong Sang Soo in the competition for the festival's top prize, the Golden Bear, the organizers said on Tuesday.

Ex-Germany international Demirbay wouldn't return to national team

Former Germany midfielder Kerem Demirbay said that he would not return to the national team if asked. He "doesn't identify anymore" with the Germany team, he told news portal Spox.