#Germany

#Germany

Bundestag President Julia Klockner has restarted debate on Germany's prostitution laws, which are seen as relatively lax. Klockner and federal Health Minister Nina Warken both said that Germany has a reputation for being the "brothel of Europe," something they both want to change. Both the buying and selling of sex are legal in Germany in regulated brothels. Both women have suggested Germany instead follow the "Nordic model",

Women remain markedly underrepresented in executive positions across Germany, with only 29.1% of leadership roles held by women in 2024, according to figures published by the Federal Statistical Office. About 1.32 million men and 540,000 women occupied management positions in 2024, leaving Germany well below the EU average of 35.2% leadership roles filled by women. Sweden led the bloc with 44.4% female representation, followed by Latvia (43.4%) and Poland (41.8%).

One such TikTok video, that has received more than 690,000 views, says: "Christmas is around the corner, Germany is CANCELLING their markets... and it also looks like other places in Europe are going to do the same." Meanwhile, a post on X, with 25,000 likes, says: "HUNDREDS OF CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN GERMANY CANCELLED." It cites a publication called Duna Press that has a report on markets being cancelled.

Spain finish the job against Sweden, ahead of big test in final There were positive signs on and off the pitch as new Spain coach Sonia Bermúdez oversaw an impressive 5-0 aggregate win against Sweden in her first games in charge. The damage was done in the first leg, when Spain produced an outstanding performance in Malaga. Alexia Putellas and Clàudia Pina both helped themselves to braces as the Bermúdez era kicked off in style with a four-goal victory.

Millions of employees will receive noticeably more for their work -- and companies can responsibly spread the rising costs over two years,

In recent years, more and more professionals have decided to work remotely online. Working online allows us to work from anywhere and enjoy a more flexible lifestyle. Many countries have started offering digital nomad visas to keep up with this trend and entice more visitors. A digital nomad visa permits a digital nomad to work remotely in a foreign country.

Wadephul said it was "in the understandable interest of the Syrian government to create the conditions for as many Syrians as possible to return". However, this was currently "only possible to a very limited extent, because a great deal of infrastructure in this country has been destroyed", he added. "Anyone who wants to return to Syria will be given a tearful send-off by us. But we will understand that perfectly well."

The joint Dutch-German venture, which received the green light from regional authorities last month, seeks to extract 13bn cubic metres of gas from just outside a protected area at the marine border between the two countries. Campaigners have criticised the project because it will mean drill for gas more than four years after the International Energy Agency warned that new oil and gas development was incompatible with its roadmap to stop the planet heating by 1.5C (2.7F).

Nothing beats a clear autumn day in Germany. Here are some of the most stunning photos capturing the fall landscape. If you have a photo of autumn in Germany that you'd like to share, please send it to us by emailing news@thelocal.de and we'll add it to this story. If you can't see all the images, make sure to pause your ad blocker. It's been a rainy fall season so far in Germany.

Germany now boasts a record 256 billionaires, the highest number since records began according to Manager Magazin. The total wealth of the 100 richest Germans has nearly tripled since 2001, reaching €758 billion, while the combined asset value of the 500 richest stands at €1.16 trillion. More than half of those on the list now possess fortunes exceeding €1 billion.

Northern Ireland beat Slovakia 2-0 in Belfast with both sides now having six points in Group A, along with Germany. Patrik Hrošovský's own goal gave the hosts an 18th minute lead and Sunderland defender Trai Hume netted a stunning second with nine minute to go to make the points safe. Germany beat Luxembourg 4-0 in Sinsheim, Joshua Kimmich scoring twice to add to goals from David Raum and Serge Gnabry. Germany visit Northern Ireland on Monday in another crunch encounter.

It all happens so suddenly every year: one day you're out in the beer garden enjoying the seemingly endless, balmy nights, and the next you're huddling at a bus stop in drizzly weather, noticing that it's already dark at 4pm. The transition from the summer months to the autumn/winter long haul is one that takes getting used to in Germany, and you may find yourself developing some coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden shift.

Prosecutors in Berlin said they have arrested three suspected Hamas operatives. The suspects were preparing attacks on Israeli and Jewish institutions in Germany, authorities said. Hamas has been designated a a terrorist organization by Germany, the EU, the US and several governments. The three men, two Germans and one Lebanese national, were identified by authorities as Abed Al G., Wael F. M. and Ahmad I.