Daily Briefing 19.11.2025, 16:38 (CET)

No apology from Germany's Merz amid backlash over remarks about Belém

Merz was glad to leave the impoverished metropolis of Belém. Brazil's president responded to his disparaging remarks, recommending the local culture and cuisine.

Germany pledges €50 million per year to tackle Long Covid

Germany has pledged €50 million ($58 million) annually over a 10-year period for research into Long Covid and better care for patients.

German government approves deal with country's Olympic bidders

The German Cabinet has approved a "political agreement" with the country's Olympic bidders which will be signed next month, the government announced on Wednesday.

Industrial electricity price cap to cost Germany over €3 billion

The industrial electricity price is coming, but how expensive will it be? A paper from the Ministry of Economic Affairs provides an initial figure – and says who could benefit.

Germany unveils space security strategy with focus on deterrence

The German government on Wednesday backed plans to secure satellites and communications technology in space, including building offensive capabilities to provide deterrence.

Berlin hopes for Cup final deal with German FA this year

The men's German Cup final has been hosted in Berlin's Olympic Stadium since 1985 - but there is no agreement as yet for the 2026 edition and future years.

AI and defence tech boom lifts German start-up funding

German start-ups are attracting more capital again as investor interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and defence technology rises sharply, according to an industry report published on Wednesday.

China overtakes US as Germany's top trading partner

In the first nine months of the year, China was once again slightly ahead of the USA. This is primarily due to strong growth in imports from the Far East.

Few at-risk Afghans accept German pay-outs to drop visa applications

Less than 100 Afghans waiting in Pakistan to receive entry to Germany have accepted government pay-outs to drop their applications, the German Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.

Germany lost more than 50,000 jobs abroad between 2021 and 2023

German companies relocated tens of thousands of jobs abroad between 2021 and 2023, according to data from the country's statistical office, Destatis, on Wednesday.