A Quds Force indictment lands as Berlin recalibrates its Iran strategy
The Federal Prosecutor in Karlsruhe charged Danish national Ali S. and Afghan national Tawab M. with plotting to assassinate Volker Beck and Josef Schuster on behalf of Iran's Quds Force, in an indictment that traces back to a Mossad tip. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met Turkish, Emirati and Jordanian counterparts as Berlin pivoted from US-Iran mediator to Gulf partner-seeker. An AfD candidate drew at least six cross-party votes in a Bundestag Economic Committee ballot, prompting Green and Left accusations that the CDU had breached the firewall against the far right.
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German prosecutors charge two Iranian-Quds agents over Berlin plot to assassinate Volker Beck and Josef Schuster
The Federal Prosecutor in Karlsruhe charged two men on Thursday — Ali S., a Danish national arrested in Aarhus in June 2025, and Afghan national Tawab M., arrested in November 2025 — with intelligence activity and attempted murder on behalf of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, in a plot to assassinate Volker Beck, head of the German-Israeli Society, and Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. Investigators say Ali S. was directed by the Quds Force in early 2025 to surveil the two men and two Jewish food retailers in Berlin, and in May 2025 recruited Tawab M., who agreed to procure a weapon for an unnamed third party. The indictment, filed before the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court in Hamburg, originated with a Mossad tip and lands amid heightened Iran-linked threat activity in Europe, including a 10 April arson attack on an Israeli restaurant in Munich.
AfD candidate gets at least six cross-party votes in Bundestag committee election
AfD candidate Malte Kaufmann received at least six votes from other parliamentary groups in a secret ballot for a deputy chairmanship of the Bundestag's Economic Committee, drawing criticism from the Greens and the Left Party. Kaufmann secured 16 of the committee's votes, while the AfD holds only 10 seats. The Greens' Michael Kellner said nearly half of the CDU in the committee likely voted for the AfD.
Germany pivots to Gulf states amid US-Iran war, seeks diplomatic partners
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met with counterparts from Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan on May 21 as Berlin shifts from mediating the US-Iran conflict to strengthening ties with Gulf states. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was "disillusioned" by the course of the war and that Germany has "its own European ideas" for a resolution. The diplomatic push also supports Germany's bid for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat, with a vote scheduled for June 3.
NATO chief Rutte says many allies not spending enough on Ukraine support
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Thursday that many alliance members are not contributing enough to Ukraine's defense, with a limited group of countries leading the effort. Speaking in Helsingborg, Sweden, alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Rutte acknowledged his proposal for allies to dedicate 0.25% of GDP to Ukraine lacks unanimous support but has started a necessary debate. Kristersson called on countries that speak strongly for Ukraine to also provide financial backing.
All Events
Every other event tracked in Germany, with a one-line preview.
de35Germany calls for stronger NATO with greater European burden-sharing
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Berlin supports a stronger NATO with a larger European role, aiming to redistribute the defense burden currently carried by the United States. He said European allies are increasing defense spending toward NATO's 5% GDP target and pooling defense industries through closer arms cooperation. Wadephul emphasized Germany's leading role in this process ahead of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden.
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Germany calls for stronger NATO with greater European burden-sharing
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Berlin supports a stronger NATO with a larger European role, aiming to redistribute the defense burden currently carried by the United States. He said European allies are increasing defense spending toward NATO's 5% GDP target and pooling defense industries through closer arms cooperation. Wadephul emphasized Germany's leading role in this process ahead of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Berlin supports a stronger NATO with a larger European role, aiming to redistribute the defense burden currently carried by the United States. He said European allies are increasing defense spending toward NATO's 5% GDP target and pooling defense industries through closer arms cooperation. Wadephul emphasized Germany's leading role in this process ahead of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden.
de33CDU publishes anti-AfD brochure accusing party of being a danger to democracy
Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has released a 36-page brochure titled 'Decline for Germany. No Alternative.' that accuses the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) of being anti-democratic, antisemitic, and a threat to the country. The AfD has responded with a defamation lawsuit and public criticism, with AfD MP Tobias Teich filing a criminal complaint for defamation. AfD parliamentary manager Bernd Baumann entered the CDU headquarters, took a brochure, and called it a 'pamphlet full of lies.' The CDU countered that Baumann's reaction shows he cannot claim ignorance of his party's positions. This comes as the AfD has overtaken the CDU in recent polls, especially in eastern states ahead of September state elections, with support reaching 42% in Saxony-Anhalt and 36% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, raising concerns about the political landscape in Germany.
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CDU publishes anti-AfD brochure accusing party of being a danger to democracy
Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has released a 36-page brochure titled 'Decline for Germany. No Alternative.' that accuses the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) of being anti-democratic, antisemitic, and a threat to the country. The AfD has responded with a defamation lawsuit and public criticism, with AfD MP Tobias Teich filing a criminal complaint for defamation. AfD parliamentary manager Bernd Baumann entered the CDU headquarters, took a brochure, and called it a 'pamphlet full of lies.' The CDU countered that Baumann's reaction shows he cannot claim ignorance of his party's positions. This comes as the AfD has overtaken the CDU in recent polls, especially in eastern states ahead of September state elections, with support reaching 42% in Saxony-Anhalt and 36% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, raising concerns about the political landscape in Germany.
Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has released a 36-page brochure titled 'Decline for Germany. No Alternative.' that accuses the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) of being anti-democratic, antisemitic, and a threat to the country. The AfD has responded with a defamation lawsuit and public criticism, with AfD MP Tobias Teich filing a criminal complaint for defamation. AfD parliamentary manager Bernd Baumann entered the CDU headquarters, took a brochure, and called it a 'pamphlet full of lies.' The CDU countered that Baumann's reaction shows he cannot claim ignorance of his party's positions. This comes as the AfD has overtaken the CDU in recent polls, especially in eastern states ahead of September state elections, with support reaching 42% in Saxony-Anhalt and 36% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, raising concerns about the political landscape in Germany.
de30German pension commission denies report of proposal to raise retirement age to 70
Germany's government-appointed pension commission has denied a Bild newspaper report claiming it will propose raising the retirement age to 70 by the 2060s and gradually reducing the pension level from 48% to 46% starting in 2031. Commission members and the government state no decisions have been made ahead of the final report due June 30. The report has nonetheless sparked political debate, with CDU figures open to the idea, while the Left party, Greens, and unions oppose it. The commission is due to present its final proposals on June 29, with a government bill expected by autumn.
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German pension commission denies report of proposal to raise retirement age to 70
Germany's government-appointed pension commission has denied a Bild newspaper report claiming it will propose raising the retirement age to 70 by the 2060s and gradually reducing the pension level from 48% to 46% starting in 2031. Commission members and the government state no decisions have been made ahead of the final report due June 30. The report has nonetheless sparked political debate, with CDU figures open to the idea, while the Left party, Greens, and unions oppose it. The commission is due to present its final proposals on June 29, with a government bill expected by autumn.
Germany's government-appointed pension commission has denied a Bild newspaper report claiming it will propose raising the retirement age to 70 by the 2060s and gradually reducing the pension level from 48% to 46% starting in 2031. Commission members and the government state no decisions have been made ahead of the final report due June 30. The report has nonetheless sparked political debate, with CDU figures open to the idea, while the Left party, Greens, and unions oppose it. The commission is due to present its final proposals on June 29, with a government bill expected by autumn.
de28Germany's lithium processing project stalled amid EU-China competition for raw materials
Rock Tech Lithium's planned lithium processing plant in Guben, Germany, which the EU considers a strategic project and for which Mercedes-Benz has signed offtake agreements, has not yet broken ground. The CEO cites bureaucratic hurdles and funding disputes, warning that delays weaken the EU's negotiating position against China. The article also discusses G7 finance ministers' disagreements on handling China's market dominance.
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Germany's lithium processing project stalled amid EU-China competition for raw materials
Rock Tech Lithium's planned lithium processing plant in Guben, Germany, which the EU considers a strategic project and for which Mercedes-Benz has signed offtake agreements, has not yet broken ground. The CEO cites bureaucratic hurdles and funding disputes, warning that delays weaken the EU's negotiating position against China. The article also discusses G7 finance ministers' disagreements on handling China's market dominance.
Rock Tech Lithium's planned lithium processing plant in Guben, Germany, which the EU considers a strategic project and for which Mercedes-Benz has signed offtake agreements, has not yet broken ground. The CEO cites bureaucratic hurdles and funding disputes, warning that delays weaken the EU's negotiating position against China. The article also discusses G7 finance ministers' disagreements on handling China's market dominance.
de25German defense procurement agency reforms amid massive budget increase
The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz has seen its budget and influence skyrocket since the Ukraine war, managing procurement projects worth €85 billion in 2024, a tenfold output increase from 5.4 billion euros in prior years. President Annette Lehnigk-Emden is driving internal reforms to address delivery delays, quality issues, and price inflation by defense contractors, while Defense Minister Pistorius avoided a full restructuring due to the agency's entrenched power.
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German defense procurement agency reforms amid massive budget increase
The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz has seen its budget and influence skyrocket since the Ukraine war, managing procurement projects worth €85 billion in 2024, a tenfold output increase from 5.4 billion euros in prior years. President Annette Lehnigk-Emden is driving internal reforms to address delivery delays, quality issues, and price inflation by defense contractors, while Defense Minister Pistorius avoided a full restructuring due to the agency's entrenched power.
The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz has seen its budget and influence skyrocket since the Ukraine war, managing procurement projects worth €85 billion in 2024, a tenfold output increase from 5.4 billion euros in prior years. President Annette Lehnigk-Emden is driving internal reforms to address delivery delays, quality issues, and price inflation by defense contractors, while Defense Minister Pistorius avoided a full restructuring due to the agency's entrenched power.
de20German lawmakers vote to cut aviation tax; impact on ticket prices uncertain
German lawmakers are set to vote on a proposal to cut the aviation tax from July 1, reducing federal revenues by about €350 million annually. Airlines welcome the move but say it is insufficient to offset rising costs, including surging kerosene prices due to the Iran war. Experts warn passengers may not see lower fares, and budget carriers like Ryanair are cutting flights in Germany due to broader industry pressures.
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German lawmakers vote to cut aviation tax; impact on ticket prices uncertain
German lawmakers are set to vote on a proposal to cut the aviation tax from July 1, reducing federal revenues by about €350 million annually. Airlines welcome the move but say it is insufficient to offset rising costs, including surging kerosene prices due to the Iran war. Experts warn passengers may not see lower fares, and budget carriers like Ryanair are cutting flights in Germany due to broader industry pressures.
German lawmakers are set to vote on a proposal to cut the aviation tax from July 1, reducing federal revenues by about €350 million annually. Airlines welcome the move but say it is insufficient to offset rising costs, including surging kerosene prices due to the Iran war. Experts warn passengers may not see lower fares, and budget carriers like Ryanair are cutting flights in Germany due to broader industry pressures.
de18German state minister calls for welfare fraud and immigration into social systems to be on government agenda
North Rhine-Westphalia's Municipal Minister Ina Scharrenbach (CDU) urges the federal government to address welfare fraud and immigration into social systems as part of planned welfare state reforms. The article also covers a German Federal Constitutional Court ruling upholding reduced asylum seeker benefits, a Bundestag delegation's planned trip to Taiwan, and the German government's plan to acquire a 40% stake in defense company KNDS.
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German state minister calls for welfare fraud and immigration into social systems to be on government agenda
North Rhine-Westphalia's Municipal Minister Ina Scharrenbach (CDU) urges the federal government to address welfare fraud and immigration into social systems as part of planned welfare state reforms. The article also covers a German Federal Constitutional Court ruling upholding reduced asylum seeker benefits, a Bundestag delegation's planned trip to Taiwan, and the German government's plan to acquire a 40% stake in defense company KNDS.
North Rhine-Westphalia's Municipal Minister Ina Scharrenbach (CDU) urges the federal government to address welfare fraud and immigration into social systems as part of planned welfare state reforms. The article also covers a German Federal Constitutional Court ruling upholding reduced asylum seeker benefits, a Bundestag delegation's planned trip to Taiwan, and the German government's plan to acquire a 40% stake in defense company KNDS.
de15German Constitutional Court upholds reduced benefits for asylum seekers in first 15 months
Germany's Federal Constitutional Court ruled that reduced social benefits for asylum seekers during their first 15 months in the country, which exclude funds for cultural and educational activities, are constitutional. The court found that benefit levels in 2018 and 2019 were temporarily too low due to outdated data, but no retroactive payments are required. The decision affects recipients of 'Duldung' (tolerated stay) status.
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German Constitutional Court upholds reduced benefits for asylum seekers in first 15 months
Germany's Federal Constitutional Court ruled that reduced social benefits for asylum seekers during their first 15 months in the country, which exclude funds for cultural and educational activities, are constitutional. The court found that benefit levels in 2018 and 2019 were temporarily too low due to outdated data, but no retroactive payments are required. The decision affects recipients of 'Duldung' (tolerated stay) status.
Germany's Federal Constitutional Court ruled that reduced social benefits for asylum seekers during their first 15 months in the country, which exclude funds for cultural and educational activities, are constitutional. The court found that benefit levels in 2018 and 2019 were temporarily too low due to outdated data, but no retroactive payments are required. The decision affects recipients of 'Duldung' (tolerated stay) status.
de13German government advances data retention law with reduced public opposition
The German federal government has approved a draft law on mandatory data retention (Vorratsdatenspeicherung), requiring ISPs to store IP addresses for a limited time to aid investigations into serious crimes such as child pornography. Unlike past attempts that sparked mass protests over privacy concerns, public opposition is minimal. This shift is attributed to the decline of illegal file-sharing as streaming services dominate, removing the main motive for mass resistance. The law now faces parliamentary approval.
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German government advances data retention law with reduced public opposition
The German federal government has approved a draft law on mandatory data retention (Vorratsdatenspeicherung), requiring ISPs to store IP addresses for a limited time to aid investigations into serious crimes such as child pornography. Unlike past attempts that sparked mass protests over privacy concerns, public opposition is minimal. This shift is attributed to the decline of illegal file-sharing as streaming services dominate, removing the main motive for mass resistance. The law now faces parliamentary approval.
The German federal government has approved a draft law on mandatory data retention (Vorratsdatenspeicherung), requiring ISPs to store IP addresses for a limited time to aid investigations into serious crimes such as child pornography. Unlike past attempts that sparked mass protests over privacy concerns, public opposition is minimal. This shift is attributed to the decline of illegal file-sharing as streaming services dominate, removing the main motive for mass resistance. The law now faces parliamentary approval.
de8Military historian argues against over-reliance on drones, emphasizes human factor in warfare
In an interview, military historian Sir Lawrence Freedman argues that while drones dominate the battlefields of the Ukraine war, neither tanks nor drones alone decide wars; people do. He suggests that Germany's continued focus on conventional military equipment for its rearmament may be the correct approach, challenging the notion that drone warfare is the sole decisive factor.
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Military historian argues against over-reliance on drones, emphasizes human factor in warfare
In an interview, military historian Sir Lawrence Freedman argues that while drones dominate the battlefields of the Ukraine war, neither tanks nor drones alone decide wars; people do. He suggests that Germany's continued focus on conventional military equipment for its rearmament may be the correct approach, challenging the notion that drone warfare is the sole decisive factor.
In an interview, military historian Sir Lawrence Freedman argues that while drones dominate the battlefields of the Ukraine war, neither tanks nor drones alone decide wars; people do. He suggests that Germany's continued focus on conventional military equipment for its rearmament may be the correct approach, challenging the notion that drone warfare is the sole decisive factor.