Daily Briefing 13.11.2026, 17:08 (CET)

Merz: Germany to participate in Ukraine peace talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany will participate in possible new talks on ending Russia's war against Ukraine - which he said would take place "in the coming weeks" - as ...

Insolvencies in Germany rise in August

The number of company insolvencies in Germany rose again in August, according to official data released on Friday. 

German budget committee approves record spending plan for 2027

Germany's parliamentary budget committee approved a record €560.9 billion ($620.3 billion) spending plan for 2027 early on Friday, although the budget still faces a final vote and a propose...

Car of divisive German news editor set alight in arson attack

Julian Reichelt, the former editor-in-chief of Germany's mass-circulation Bild newspaper, says he was targeted in an arson attack after his car was set on fire and largely destroyed on a st...

Climate activists warn of looming 'heat hell' at COP31 in Turkey

Activists from the Fridays for Future movement demonstrated at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Turkey on Friday, calling for greater ambition in the fight against global warming...

German blue chips post higher profits despite car industry slump

Germany's biggest listed companies recorded higher profits in the third quarter despite continued weakness in the country's struggling car industry, according to an analysis by consulting f...

Dortmund to end controversial partnership with arms maker

Borussia Dortmund are ending their controversial partnership with arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, the Bundesliga club said in a statement on Friday.

Germany's far-right AfD extends lead over Merz's conservatives

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is maintaining its strong lead in opinion polls ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc, according to a poll released on Friday. 

Germany expands powers of spy agencies at home and abroad

German intelligence agencies are to receive more powers to combat espionage, terrorism and sabotage under a major reform approved by lawmakers on Friday.

Russia threatens Germany if banned from men's ice hockey worlds

Russia's ice hockey federation has threatened host nation Germany with compensation claims should it be banned from the men's 2027 world championships.