Daily Briefing 23.06.2026, 14:00 (CEST)

Germany hero Lahm slams Infantino: 'The World Cup is being sold off'

Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm has lambasted FIFA for its treatment of the global event and says Gianni Infantino's relationship with leaders such as US President Don...

One in five in Germany cannot afford one-week holiday

Summer holidays have become unaffordable for many people in Germany, with 21% of people not able to go on a one-week break, according to figures released on Tuesday. 

Merz vows to fully implement pension report proposing sweeping change

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to fully implement all reforms to the pension system officially presented by a special commission on Tuesday, as his government is seeking ways to sta...

Germany's Pistorius warns social division threatens national security

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned on Monday that growing social divisions and political polarization could undermine Germany's security, arguing that national resilience depend...

EU Commission approves German state aid for new semiconductor facility

The European Commission has allowed Germany to support setting up a new production facility for semiconductor testing equipment with €76 million ($86.7 million) in grants.

Germany mulls compulsory assignment as Lithuanian brigade takes shape

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has pledged that Germany's armoured brigade in Lithuania will be fully operational with 4,800 soldiers by the end of 2027, saying he would compel tro...

Germany defender Schlotterbeck out of World Cup with ankle injury

Germany's World Cup hopes suffered a blow on Monday after defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury.

Violence and bullying everyday reality at many Berlin schools

Violence and bullying have become part of everyday life at many Berlin schools, according to a study presented by the education minister in the city's administration, Katharina Günther-Wüns...

Berlin plays down chances of Hormuz mandate before summer recess

The German government has played down expectations that the Bundestag will vote on a mandate for a Bundeswehr deployment in the Strait of Hormuz before the parliamentary summer recess in Ju...

Rent a burden for half of German tenants as costs deter relocating

Rent remains a significant burden for many households in Germany, with just over half of tenants surveyed (52%) describing it as a large or very large financial strain, according to a repre...