Germany's far-right AfD adopted radical election programs for the September 20 state votes in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern -- approved unanimously by 237 delegates in Grimmen -- and in Berlin, where Kristin Brinker was confirmed as the party's candidate for mayor. Both call for sweeping migration crackdowns, including a dedicated 'border and return police,' deportation drives and a 'remigration agenda,' alongside abolition of state anti-discrimination law, a return to nuclear power and use of the Nord Stream pipelines. The AfD leads polls in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern at 36 percent and runs second in Berlin at 16-18 percent.

Wolfgang Kubicki was elected new federal chairman of Germany's Free Democratic Party (FDP) at a party congress in Berlin on Saturday, receiving 390 of 649 delegate votes (59%). He defeated Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who had announced a surprise candidacy on the convention floor and received 259 votes. Kubicki succeeds Christian Dürr, who resigned after the party lost all seats in the Bundestag and suffered further electoral defeats.

The Berlin branch of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has nominated its state and parliamentary leader Kristin Brinker as its candidate for Governing Mayor, the first time the party has fielded a candidate for the top office. The symbolic vote took place at a party congress in Brandenburg. While the AfD currently holds only the fifth-largest faction in the Berlin parliament, recent polls put it in second place with 17-18%, close behind the CDU. However, a governing coalition remains unlikely as other parties refuse to cooperate with the AfD. Brinker's campaign focuses on anti-immigration rhetoric, calling for a halt to asylum applications and a policy of 'remigration', as well as requiring German flags at all schools and banning gender-inclusive language in schools.

On May 30, 2026, thousands of demonstrators blocked the Brenner Pass, a key Alpine route between Austria and Italy, for eight hours to protest heavy traffic and its health effects. The protest, organized by local mayor Karl Mühlsteiger, caused widespread disruption, with authorities advising motorists to avoid Tyrol. In parallel, two German battalions arrived in Lithuania for the 'Freedom Shield' NATO exercise, deploying Leopard tanks and Puma vehicles. Other developments include German-French talks on nuclear deterrence, Putin's renewed proposal for Schröder as EU negotiator, and the family minister urging screen time limits for children. Additionally, a protest against gas-fired power plants drew thousands in Hamm, and Munich Airport briefly halted flights due to a drone sighting.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned of rising authoritarian tendencies globally during the Hambach Freedom Prize ceremony, emphasizing threats to press, culture, and judiciary. He awarded the prize to Polish constitutional lawyer and former justice minister Adam Bodnar, praising his defense of democratic institutions. The event took place at Hambach Castle, a historic symbol of German democracy.

On May 30, 2026, Munich Airport halted all flight operations for approximately one hour after two pilots reported a suspected drone near the airfield. German Federal Police deployed ground teams and a helicopter to search the area but found no threat. Operations resumed at 10:05 AM local time. Over 20 inbound flights were diverted to other airports, and three flights were canceled. The incident is part of a broader pattern of drone-related disruptions at European airports, prompting security debates and calls for enhanced drone defense measures.

Japan had previously announced plans to send four Self-Defense Force personnel to NATO's NSATU hub in Wiesbaden to study Ukraine's combat tactics. On 29 May 2026, Tokyo confirmed the deployment of four officers—two from the Ground Self-Defense Force, one from the Air Self-Defense Force, and one from the Maritime Self-Defense Force—to coordinate equipment and training for Ukraine and serve as liaisons with partner countries. They will not participate in combat, consistent with Japan's post-WWII limits. This marks the first time Japan has sent personnel to the NSATU command, which was established in July 2024 to coordinate Western military aid to Ukraine.

The German cabinet approved a draft bill requiring streaming services and broadcasters to invest at least 8% of German revenue into domestic film production, aiming to make Germany a global film hub. The bill allocates €250 million in government funds and targets €520 million in mandatory industry investments. Critics warn of regulatory overreach.