Das Deutsche Blatt

Dutch Flying-Car Maker PAL-V Begins European Production

PAL-V has started series production of its hybrid flying car after years of development and regulatory work, opening a new commercial phase for advanced air-mobility technology in Europe.

Berlin SPD Candidate Steffen Krach Faces Corruption Investigation Ahead of Election

Berlin prosecutors confirmed an investigation into Social Democratic Party candidate Steffen Krach over suspected acceptance of improper benefits in several cases, creating new political pressure shortly before the state election.

Germany and Five EU Partners Seek Cuts to Next European Budget

Berlin joined five other major net contributors in calling for lower spending in the European Union’s next financial framework and tighter restrictions on common European borrowing.

Low Water Levels Disrupt German Inland Shipping and Industrial Supply Chains

Falling river levels caused by limited rainfall are forcing inland vessels to carry smaller loads, disrupting deliveries to Germany’s chemicals, coal and steel industries along major commercial waterways.

CDU Business Wing Calls for Sharp Restrictions on Legal Right to Part-Time Work

The Christian Democratic Union’s business wing proposed substantially limiting employees’ statutory right to work part time as Germany faces labor shortages, drawing immediate opposition from unions and social organizations.

German Pension Commission Calls for Phasing Out Unreduced Retirement at 63

Germany’s pension commission recommended linking retirement age more closely to rising life expectancy and ending unreduced early retirement for long-serving workers as demographic change increases pressure on the pension system.

GSK to Close Dresden Vaccine Plant by 2028, Affecting More Than 600 Jobs

GlaxoSmithKline plans to shut its Dresden vaccine manufacturing site by 2028 because of weaker global vaccine demand and higher production costs, eliminating more than 600 skilled industrial positions.

Daimler Truck Profit Falls 48% Despite Higher Global Sales

Daimler Truck reported a 48% decline in quarterly profit despite stronger worldwide vehicle sales, as higher material costs and spending associated with the transition to electric mobility weighed on margins.

TSMC Record Revenue Highlights German Industry’s Reliance on Asian Semiconductor Supply

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company reported record revenue growth driven by global demand for artificial intelligence hardware, underscoring the dependence of Germany’s automotive and engineering sectors on Asian chip manufacturing.

Chinese Electric Vehicle Brands Gain Ground in German New-Car Registrations

Registrations of Chinese electric vehicles, including models from BYD, continued to rise in Germany and overtook some established European import brands, increasing competitive pressure on domestic and regional automakers.

Federal Prosecutor Takes Over Investigation Into Suspected German Power Grid Sabotage

Germany’s Federal Public Prosecutor assumed control of the case against 48-year-old Daniel V., who is suspected of targeted attacks on high-voltage substations, elevating scrutiny of threats to critical electricity infrastructure.

German Health Insurers Lose Billions in Failed Property Investments

Official government figures show Germany’s statutory health insurers lost billions of euros through collapsed real estate funds, increasing pressure for tighter rules governing how public health insurance contributions are invested.

European Union Fines Temu Over Illegal and Unsafe Products

The European Commission imposed substantial penalties on Chinese e-commerce platform Temu over the sale of illegal and potentially unsafe goods in the European single market, tightening enforcement of consumer-protection standards.

Ursula von der Leyen Seeks Critical-Mineral Partnerships in Greenland

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used an official visit to Greenland to advance European mining and resource partnerships aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals.

European Commission Plans More Free Carbon Allowances for Energy-Intensive Industry

Brussels is considering additional free carbon allowances and longer compliance deadlines for energy-intensive companies as policymakers seek to limit industrial relocation, drawing criticism from climate researchers concerned about weak...

Germany and France Push Faster European Union Accession for Western Balkans

Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron called for accelerated membership for Western Balkan states while also seeking institutional reforms within the European Union as Russian and Chinese influence grows in southeastern...

Germany Blocks Joint European Union Sanctions Against Israel

The German government opposed the adoption of common European Union economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel, highlighting deep divisions among member states over their response to the escalating Middle East conflict.

Volkswagen Considers German Plant Closures and Tens of Thousands of Job Cuts

Volkswagen is considering closing several domestic production sites and ending longstanding employment guarantees as high energy costs and intensifying international competition increase pressure on its German operations.

UAE Plans €40 Billion Investment Push Into German Technology and Industry

United Arab Emirates sovereign investment funds plan to invest €40 billion in Germany over the coming years, targeting artificial intelligence, data centers and industrial companies under a new bilateral partnership.

Trump Tariff Threats Intensify U.S.-Europe Trade Tensions

Fresh threats from Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on European and German industrial goods raised concern in Berlin and Brussels over the consequences of a broader transatlantic trade conflict for Germany’s export-dependent eco...

Brent Crude Rises Above $105 as Middle East Conflict Drives Inflation and Bond Fears

Brent crude climbed above $105 a barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions and supply concerns, increasing inflation risks in Germany and adding pressure to government and corporate borrowing costs.

European Central Bank Raises Interest Rate to 2.5% as Energy Costs Fuel Inflation

The European Central Bank increased its benchmark rate to 2.5% as sharply higher global energy prices added to inflation pressures, creating further strain for German households and businesses.

AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt Election With Nearly 44% of Vote

Alternative for Germany secured almost 44% in Saxony-Anhalt while Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union fell below 18%, leaving the AfD three seats short of an absolute majority in the state parliament.

Berlin Hosts Basketball World Cup Games as Germany Expands Major-Event Profile

Preliminary-round matches in the German capital, including a comfortable United States victory, brought international basketball audiences to Berlin and additional activity for the city’s tourism sector.

VfB Stuttgart Opens Champions League Campaign With Demirović Hat-Trick

Ermedin Demirović scored three goals in 12 minutes as VfB Stuttgart secured a strong start to its European campaign and boosted the club’s prospects in the competition.

Alexander Zverev Reaches U.S. Open Semifinals and Criticizes Late Match Scheduling

German tennis player Alexander Zverev advanced in straight sets over Botic van de Zandschulp before criticizing tournament organizers over match times he said placed excessive physical strain on players.

Mannheim Police Officer Faces Criminal Investigation Over Derby Pyrotechnics Incident

Prosecutors opened proceedings against an officer suspected of improperly using or handling pyrotechnics during disturbances at a high-risk football match in Mannheim.

Woman Killed in Knife Attack at Ratzeburg Supermarket

A woman was fatally stabbed inside a Lidl store in Ratzeburg, while the suspected attacker was seriously injured during the arrest.

Police Shoot Knife-Wielding Man Outside Station in Meerbusch

Officers shot a 23-year-old man after he allegedly attacked a patrol with a knife outside a police station in the North Rhine-Westphalian city.

Germany Tests Sirens and Smartphone Alerts During Nationwide Warning Day

Civil protection authorities activated emergency sirens and mobile alerts across the country at 11 a.m. to test Germany’s disaster-warning infrastructure.

Volker Beck Appeals to Constitutional Court Over Exclusion From Iranian Assassination Case

The president of the German-Israeli Society filed a constitutional complaint after being denied co-plaintiff status in proceedings involving an alleged Iranian-backed plot targeting him.

Northern German Chemical Plant to Close With Loss of 400 Jobs

An established chemical facility will permanently end production after efforts to secure an international investor failed, eliminating about 400 industrial positions.

Major German Mattress Manufacturer Enters Insolvency After Nearly 100 Years

One of Germany’s largest mattress producers opened formal insolvency proceedings and is expected to cut jobs amid weak consumer demand, higher material costs and competition from international online retailers.

Germany Adopts Scale-Up Strategy to Keep Growing Technology Companies From Moving Abroad

The cabinet approved measures aimed at improving access to institutional venture capital for startups and fast-growing technology businesses that might otherwise seek financing in the United States.

Germany Approves New Framework to Expand District Heating Networks

The federal cabinet adopted measures easing planning requirements and widening financing options for local utilities as Berlin seeks to attract additional private investment into heating infrastructure.

Berlin Election Officials Contact 1,400 Voters After Wrong Absentee Ballots Sent

Authorities are trying to reach about 1,400 voters who received postal ballots assigned to incorrect electoral districts ahead of the Berlin state election.

Berlin SPD Candidate Steffen Krach Investigated Over €9,900 Campaign Donation

Hanover prosecutors are investigating the Berlin Social Democratic Party’s lead candidate over suspected bribery linked to a donation that the party says was subsequently returned.

FDP Faces Renewed Leadership Crisis After Heavy Loss in Saxony-Anhalt

The Free Democratic Party is confronting internal pressure under Wolfgang Kubicki after a poor result in the eastern state raised fresh questions about its electoral strategy.

Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht Gains Influence in Saxony-Anhalt on Platform Opposing Ukraine Aid

The party strengthened its position after the state election while campaigning for an end to German military assistance to Ukraine and the restoration of Russian energy imports.

Sven Schulze Declines Upcoming Chairmanship of German State Premiers’ Conference

Saxony-Anhalt’s acting premier said he will not take the rotating leadership role amid uncertainty over the state’s governing majority following the recent election.

Bundestag Budget Debate Focuses on €204 Billion in Planned New Borrowing

Opposition lawmakers criticized plans for €204 billion in new debt and interest costs exceeding €40 billion, while Green politicians also questioned whether the budget provides enough investment for future growth.

Söder and Wüst Clash Over Whether Germany Should Pursue an AfD Ban

Bavarian Premier Markus Söder and North Rhine-Westphalia Premier Hendrik Wüst are openly divided over how to confront the Alternative for Germany, with Söder opposing a ban while Wüst stresses maintaining the political firewall around th...

CDU and CSU Lawmakers Rebel Against Merz-Klingbeil Fiscal Plans

Several members of the governing parliamentary bloc are resisting tax and budget proposals backed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, complicating the government’s economic agenda.

Angela Merkel Calls AfD Victory in Saxony-Anhalt a Major Break in German Political History

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel described the result as a significant turning point for Germany, making a rare intervention after the Alternative for Germany’s electoral gains in the eastern state.

AfD Election Victory in Saxony-Anhalt Triggers Leadership Fight Within Regional CDU

The Alternative for Germany’s strong state-election result has intensified a power struggle between acting Minister-President Sven Schulze and Bundestag member Sepp Müller as coalition negotiations grow more difficult.