Daily Briefing 01.07.2026, 16:41 (CEST)

Rutte praises Germany's NATO role as Cabinet approves defence bills

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Germany's contributions to the Western alliance during a visit to Berlin on Wednesday, as the German Cabinet approved draft legislation aimed at st...

Germany considers withdrawing ships for Hormuz mine-clearing mission

Germany could recall the two naval vessels despatched to Djibouti if conditions for deployment to the Strait of Hormuz are not met soon, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in Berlin on W...

Sources: Merz post on German WCup exit a 'coordination error'

A widely criticised post on X from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after Germany's World Cup exit was a communications error, government sources said on Tuesday night.

German rail issues 2,000 staff with bodycams after fatal attack

German state-owned rail company Deutsche Bahn (DB) announced on Wednesday it is issuing bodycams to 2,000 staff members following a fatal attack on a conductor in February.

German fuel costs jump after expiry of rebate

German drivers faced higher fuel prices on Wednesday after the expiry of a rebate introduced to cushion the impact of the oil shock following the outbreak of the Iran war.

Germany detains man linked to 1994 Rwandan genocide

A German-Rwandan man has been detained on charges of committing genocide and 25 murders in Kayove in north-western Rwanda in 1994, German federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday.

Ex-German players demand 'swift answers' on Nagelsmann's future

Former German international Mats Hummels could see Pep Guardiola take over as national coach from Julian Nagelsmann, who has come under fire following Germany's early World Cup exit.

Renewables hit record share of German electricity use in H1 2026

Renewable energy sources covered a record 58% of Germany's electricity consumption in the first half of the year, driven by stronger wind power generation, according to preliminary estimate...

Germany's Cologne Cathedral rolls out controversial €12 admission fee

Cologne Cathedral began charging a controversial admission fee of €12 ($14) on Wednesday, as the iconic western German landmark seeks to cover its increased costs.

Germany expands Russia travel warning as Ukraine steps up attacks

Germany's Foreign Office on Wednesday expanded its travel advisory for Russia, warning against travel across the country due to an increased risk from Ukrainian drone attacks.