Daily Briefing 23.06.2026, 16:54 (CEST)

Merz vows to fully implement pension report proposing sweeping change

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to fully implement all reforms to the pension system officially presented by a special commission on Tuesday, as his government is seeking ways to sta...

EU Commission approves German state aid for new semiconductor facility

The European Commission has allowed Germany to support setting up a new production facility for semiconductor testing equipment with €76 million ($86.7 million) in grants.

Germany's Pistorius warns social division threatens national security

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned on Monday that growing social divisions and political polarization could undermine Germany's security, arguing that national resilience depend...

One in five in Germany cannot afford one-week holiday

Summer holidays have become unaffordable for many people in Germany, with 21% of people not able to go on a one-week break, according to figures released on Tuesday. 

Germany hero Lahm slams Infantino: 'The World Cup is being sold off'

Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm has lambasted FIFA for its treatment of the global event and says Gianni Infantino's relationship with leaders such as US President Don...

New Under-21 league in Germany to begin with 26 teams

A new men's Under-21 football competition in Germany will start with 26 clubs from the Bundesliga and second division, organizers said on Tuesday.

German raids target five suspected Islamic State members

German police have searched the homes of five people suspected of being members of Islamic State, federal prosecutors said on Tuesday.

Temperatures to reach up to 41C in Germany as Europe swelters in heat

Temperatures in some parts of Germany could reach a record 41 degrees Celsius later this week as much of central Europe has been hit by an extensive heatwave.

New Dietrich biopic 'Berlinweh' to be directed by Agnieszka Holland

Agnieszka Holland is set to direct a new biopic about late German-American film icon Marlene Dietrich called "Berlinweh - Yearning for a Home," Berlin-based production company X Filme Creat...

Germany mulls compulsory assignment as Lithuanian brigade takes shape

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has pledged that Germany's armoured brigade in Lithuania will be fully operational with 4,800 soldiers by the end of 2027, saying he would compel tro...