Daily Briefing 03.08.2025, 16:39 (CEST)

German minister decries Gaza 'famine,' urges Israel to shift course

Berlin (dpa) – Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are suffering through "famine," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in an interview with national public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk.

German welfare payments rose by €4 billion in 2024, figures show

Germany paid out around €4 billion ($4.64 billion) more in basic state welfare benefits last year compared to 2023, bringing the total payments to about €46.9 billion.

Poland extends border controls with Germany until October 4

Poland will extend temporary border controls with Germany until October 4, Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński announced on Sunday, according to the PAP news agency.

German minister pushes for EU technology as Palantir gains ground

Berlin (dpa) - Germany’s Digital Affairs Minister Karsten Wildberger has expressed openness to using technologies like the controversial analysis software developed by US firm Palantir for domestic security purposes - but he also emphasized the need for European alternatives.

Captain Kimmich fine with return into midfield in Germany team

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich is fine with returning from the right back position into midfield in the national team, given that he also plays there for his club Bayern Munich.

Fish stocks recovering in German-Polish river after 2022 disaster

Three years after a massive fish die-off in the Oder River, which forms a long stretch of the German-Polish border, fish populations are showing signs of recovery, according to a leading expert.

German retail notes rise in gangs and violence among shoplifters

Shoplifting is rising sharply in Germany, and prosecution of the thieves is too lax, in the view of the country's retail sector.

Germany's far-right AfD hits 25% in poll, just behind conservatives

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has risen to 25% in a survey by polling firm INSA for the first time since mid-May.

German cities offer help to children from Gaza and Israel

Dusseldorf is planning to take in children from Gaza and Israel who are particularly vulnerable or traumatized, following a similar initiative by the northern German city of Hanover.

Gold's relentless rise set to continue, driven up by central banks

The seemingly unstoppable surge in gold prices is expected to continue into the second half of the year, according to traders and financial analysts.