Background: CDU and SPD security politicians previously warned that a potential AfD-led state government in Saxony-Anhalt could undermine Germany's security architecture due to the party's far-right ties and pro-Russia stance. Now, multiple German state interior ministers, including Thuringia's Georg Maier (SPD), are publicly warning about the security risks and calling for coordinated strategies to counter the threat ahead of state elections.

Germany's Expert Council for Climate Issues has released its annual review, projecting that the country will miss its 2030 climate targets and subsequent goals, including greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. The council criticizes the government's climate protection program as inadequate and warns that the new building modernization law may increase emissions by allowing continued installation of gas and oil heating systems. The report highlights rising emissions in the energy and building sectors and warns of a growing gap between projections and targets after 2030, with potential EU fines looming.

Background: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas previously stated that EU member states have not agreed on a common position for potential peace negotiations with Russia on Ukraine. Today, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized the EU for failing to use its diplomatic potential to help end Russia's war in Ukraine, arguing that military support alone is insufficient and that Europe should engage diplomatically with Moscow as the U.S. does. She noted that the U.S. under President Trump maintains contact with Russia while Europe does not. Merkel revealed she proposed an EU-Russia diplomatic format in October 2021 but it failed due to internal EU divisions. She also stated she has not been officially approached to serve as an EU peace envoy, though her name has been floated.

The German government announced a temporary deployment of a Patriot air defense unit to Turkey to support NATO's southeastern flank, replacing a US unit. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt plans to invest €10 billion by 2029 to expand civil defense capabilities, including 1,000 special vehicles and 110,000 field beds, to counter hybrid threats. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Europe to increase diplomatic efforts with Russia, arguing it is insufficient for only the US to maintain contact. These developments reflect Germany's growing role in NATO and domestic security preparedness.

Background: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan traveled to Germany for the third meeting of the Turkey-Germany Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, co-chaired with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, to enhance bilateral relations, Turkey-EU ties, security cooperation, and trade. Today: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking alongside Fidan after the talks, advocated for expanding EU-Türkiye strategic relations, particularly in security and defense, supported modernizing the EU-Türkiye Customs Union, and expressed Germany's willingness to support Türkiye's EU membership process, while noting that full membership depends on meeting the bloc's criteria.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking at the re:publica digital conference, urged democratic parties to focus on their own policy plans rather than defining themselves indirectly through opposition to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). She criticized the AfD's concept of 'the people', stating that every German citizen is part of the people and no one has the right to divide them. Merkel also called for more diplomatic efforts by Europe regarding the Russian war in Ukraine, emphasizing that Europe should not underestimate its own diplomatic potential.

A court in Pilsen, Czech Republic, postponed until June 1, 2025, its decision on extraditing Marla-Svenja Liebich (formerly Sven Liebich) to Germany. Liebich, a former leader of the banned neo-Nazi group 'Blood and Honour', was convicted in Germany in 2023 for incitement to hatred and sentenced to 18 months in prison. After fleeing to the Czech Republic in August 2025, Liebich was arrested in April 2025. Liebich opposes extradition, citing safety concerns and fear of being placed in a men's prison despite a legal gender change to female. The court heard Liebich's objections and set a new date for the ruling.

The Atlas of Civil Society report by Brot für die Welt downgraded Germany from a fully open society to one with 'limited' openness, citing police brutality at protests, surveillance of NGOs, and censorship of dissent. The report also highlights the global rise of disinformation, especially targeting immigration, the LGBT+ community, and climate change, and calls for stronger EU enforcement of digital regulations. This marks a significant shift in the perception of democratic openness in a major European country.

An independent German climate panel warns the country will likely overshoot its 2030 CO2 emissions target by up to 100 million tons, contradicting government projections. Chancellor Merz condemned Iranian airstrikes on the UAE, including a drone strike on a nuclear plant in Abu Dhabi. Germany plans a €10 billion civil defense program to protect citizens in case of war or catastrophe. Other developments include a promotion freeze for senior NCOs amid Bundeswehr expansion, Merz hosting Bulgarian PM Rumen Radev (known for euroskeptic and pro-Russian views), and a tiger escape incident prompting calls for stricter wild animal ownership rules.

The German governing coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD has agreed to suspend the automatic annual increase in Bundestag members' salaries for 2024, forgoing a 4.2% rise that would have raised monthly pre-tax pay from about €11,833 to €12,330. The decision, citing the need for austerity and public sentiment, will be announced alongside healthcare reform. The automatic adjustment mechanism is set to resume in 2025.