Daily Briefing 25.12.2025, 15:04 (CET)

Pyrotechnics etc.: German clubs fined €12 million by DFB

German professional football clubs were fined €12 million ($14.1 million) by the ruling body DFB in the past season 2024-25, mainly for the use of pyrotechnics.

Railway graffiti hits Berlin worst among German cities

Once again, the German capital Berlin has come in number one when it comes to the number of trains and railway facilities smeared with graffiti, the Federal Police reported.

German savings rates stable, but most below inflation rate

Savings rates in Germany are expected to be stable until at least mid-2026, though at the moment rates are below the inflation rate, meaning savings are losing value.

German bishop warns against nationalism in Christmas sermon

The head of Germany's Catholic bishops on Thursday warned against rising nationalism in his Christmas sermon, saying the interconnected nature of the modern world makes isolation impossible...

Fire breaks out on historic Hamburg sailing ship

A fire broke out on board the historic sailing ship Mare Frisium in the German port city of Hamburg, authorities said early on Thursday.

German president calls for solidarity with Ukraine at Christmas

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier encouraged people to show solidarity with Ukrainians enduring ongoing Russian attacks, in his official Christmas address released on Wednesday.

Ex-Liverpool sporting director Schmadtke back at Hanover

Former Liverpool sporting director Jörg Schmadtke is returning to Hanover 96 as managing director for sport, the German second division club said on Wednesday.

European powers decry US travel bans in online 'censorship' row

European powers on Wednesday sharply criticized entry bans imposed by the United States on five Europeans accused of censoring online platforms, warning the move could trigger countermeasur...

Berlin denounces US sanctions against German anti-hate speech group

The German government on Wednesday denounced sanctions imposed by the United States against the heads of HateAid, a German organization that supports victims of online hate.

Merz stresses responsibility towards Europe in Christmas address

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz underscored his government's commitment to ensure peace and security prevail in Europe, in his Christmas video message posted on X on Wednesday.