Uruguay Has a Large Bronze Nazi Eagle. It's Turning It Into a Dove.
An approximately 700-pound bronze Nazi eagle that once adorned a German warship and in recent years became the subject of a court case in Uruguay will be melted down and turned into a dove, the South American nation's president said on Friday, a move that he said would transform a symbol of violence and war into one of peace and unity.
C.I.A. Told Ukraine Last Summer It Should Not Attack Nord Stream Pipelines
The Central Intelligence Agency told Ukrainian officials last summer that it had learned of what it thought was an aborted plot by the Ukrainians to attack the Nord Stream pipelines, and the agency reinforced its objection to any such operation.In June 2022, Dutch intelligence officials shared information with the C.I.A. that they had learned the Ukrainian military had been planning an operation using divers to blow up one of the pipelines, according to U.S. and European officials.
Germany closes Russian consulates in a tit-for-tat dispute with Moscow.
Berlin is ordering four of the five Russian consulates in Germany to close after Moscow limited the number of German diplomatic staff allowed in Russia, the latest in an escalating tit-for-tat diplomatic dispute between the two countries.The Russian Foreign Ministry had been told to start shutting down its consulates in Germany immediately and must finish by the end of the year, Christofer Burger, a spokesman for Germany's Foreign Ministry, said at a news conference on Wednesday.
9 people going on trial over an alleged far-right German coup plot
A far-right group planned to topple the German government, charged with terrorism and high treason. Trials linked to QAnon and Reich Citizens ideology. [ more ]
Legal pressures mount on Germany to cut aid to Israel DW 04/10/2024
Pro-Palestinian organizers pushing legal action due to unsuccessful protests against German policymakers regarding Israel stance.
Lawsuit filed against German government claims weapons exports are used for grave violations of international law, urging for a halt in deliveries. [ more ]
German prosecutors indict 27 people in connection with an alleged far-right coup plot
German prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against 27 people, including a self-styled prince and a former far-right lawmaker, in connection with an alleged plot to topple the German government.
The suspects believed in conspiracy myths, including Reich Citizens and QAnon ideology, and planned to storm the parliament building in Berlin and negotiate a post-coup order primarily with Russia. [ more ]
Olaf Scholz, Germany's silent chancellor DW 01/23/2024
Citizens feel that Chancellor Olaf Scholz is not present and his presence is barely felt.
The German government, led by Scholz, is facing numerous challenges including energy scarcity, inflation, and protests from farmers, craftsmen, and railway drivers. [ more ]
Germany's budget crisis: No clear way forward after coalition misses deadline
The German government missed a self-imposed deadline to reach a budget deal for 2024, raising concerns about political and fiscal paralysis.
The ruling coalition in Germany is facing disarray and struggles to plug a €17 billion gap in the 2024 budget due to differing political priorities. [ more ]
Scholz addresses Bundestag over German budget crisis DW 11/28/2023
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is addressing lawmakers about his coalition government's budget crisis.
The German government's three-way ruling coalition plans to temporarily extend the lifting of restrictions on borrowing as part of a supplementary budget.
The Karlsruhe-based Constitutional Court's ruling vetoed government plans to use pandemic funds for climate and green industry projects. [ more ]
German prosecutors indict 27 people in connection with an alleged far-right coup plot
German prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against 27 people, including a self-styled prince and a former far-right lawmaker, in connection with an alleged plot to topple the German government.
The suspects believed in conspiracy myths, including Reich Citizens and QAnon ideology, and planned to storm the parliament building in Berlin and negotiate a post-coup order primarily with Russia. [ more ]
Germany hails EU deal on renewable energy raising target for 2030 to 45%
Germany's economy minister welcomed a deal Friday among European Union countries to increase by more than a third the bloc's renewable energy target for 2030.Representatives of the 27 member states approved a package raising the current goal of 32% to 45% by 2030.About 22% of the EU's total energy consumption came from renewables in 2021, meaning the new target will double the amount in less than a decade.
Germany orders Russia to close 4 out of its 5 consulates in tit-for-tat move
The German government said Wednesday that it has told Russia to close four out of its five consulates general in Germany in a tit-for-tat move after Moscow set a limit for the number of staff at the German Embassy and related bodies in Russia.Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christofer Burger told reporters in Berlin that the measure was intended to create a parity of personnel and structures between the two countries.
Panel of historians starts 3-year review of 1972 Munich Olympics attack
A panel of historians set up to review the 1972 attack on the Munich Olympics is starting its three-year mission to examine what happened before, during and after the events of five decades ago on Tuesday, the German government said.In April, Germany's Interior Ministry named the eight-member international commission of experts, most based in Israel or Germany.
Germany economy shrinks in first quarter, signaling one definition of recession
The German economy shrank unexpectedly in the first three months of this year, marking the second quarter of contraction that is one definition of recession.Data released Thursday by the Federal Statistical Office shows Germany's gross domestic product, or GDP, declined by 0.3% in the period from January to March.
Zelenskyy says he will visit UK on European tour seeking military aid
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Britain on Monday, as the staunch ally of Ukraine prepares to give more military aid in an effort to change the course of the war.It will be the fourth European country Zelenskky has visited in the past few days.He made an unannounced visit to Paris on Sunday evening to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, after trips to Germany and Italy, where he met those countries' leaders and Pope Francis.
German prosecutors indict 27 people in connection with an alleged far-right coup plot
German prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against 27 people, including a self-styled prince and a former far-right lawmaker, in connection with an alleged plot to topple the German government.
The suspects believed in conspiracy myths, including Reich Citizens and QAnon ideology, and planned to storm the parliament building in Berlin and negotiate a post-coup order primarily with Russia. [ more ]
Germany's security strategy aims to set priorities after Russia's invasion, but offers few hard commitments.
Haunted by its responsibility for World War II and Nazi tyranny, Germany embraced the pursuit of peace with the fervor of a convert.But on Wednesday, its government took an important step toward shedding that legacy as war once again transforms the European continent.For the first time since the world war ended, the government introduced a comprehensive national security strategy meant to confront Germany's vulnerability to new military, economic and geopolitical threats, including climate change.
German chancellor calls some climate activists' protests 'nutty'
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday sharply criticized climate activists as nutty for drastic protests such as blocking streets or gluing themselves to famous paintings in museums.I think it's completely nutty to somehow stick yourself to a painting or on the street, Scholz said during a visit to an elementary school in the town of Kleinmachnow outside of Berlin, German news agency dpa reported.
Activists accuse German government of climate climbdown
Campaign groups on Wednesday accused the German government of betraying pledges on climate change after it agreed to loosen rules around environmental targets.Published: 29 March 2023 17:13 CEST Ministers from the current German government's three main parties, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, defend their recent climate compromises in the Bundestag.
Climate change to cost Germany up to $960bn by 2050, study finds
Report released during discussion on how Berlin could cut greenhouse gas emissions in challenging sectors like transportation.Climate change could cost Germany up to 900 billion euros ($960bn) in cumulative economic damage by mid-century, a new study shows, as Europe's biggest economy searches for ways to cut that bill.
UK strikes 2023: Which workforces are striking or threatening to walk out?
General secretary Mick Whelan said they are in it for the long haul and will continue to ballot every half year on whether to continue their stand against the government's pay offers.Train drivers are sick to the back teeth of their employers and the Government failing to negotiate in good faith, and blaming drivers for their inability to manage services and the rail industry effectively, Mr Whelan said.
London bus strikes: Which routes are affected as drivers set to walk out
F ifty-two London bus routes are to be affected when drivers walk out across four days this month.The fresh wave of strikes, announced by Unite on Tuesday, will see more than 1,700 drivers working for bus firm Arriva strike on June 20, 21, 27 and 28 amid a dispute over pay.The four days of action - falling on consecutive Tuesdays and Wednesdays - are expected to bring travel chaos to London, primarily to the north and east of the city.
London bus drivers announce four days of strikes for June amid Arriva pay dispute
P arts of London are set for bus chaos later this month when the capital is hit by a fresh wave of strikes by drivers locked in an ongoing dispute over pay.Unite announced on Tuesday that more than 1,700 of its members employed in the capital by bus firm Arriva will walk out on June 20 and 21 and June 27 and 28 after voting to reject a seven per cent pay offer.
NATO Kicks Off Its Biggest Air Force Drills Since End of Cold War
WUNSTORF, Germany More than 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel will participate in a two-week military exercise beginning on Monday involving NATO nations and Japan, in what host nation Germany bills as the largest deployment of aircraft in the alliance's history.Planning for the training began in 2018.
The Guardian view on food price caps: better at taming inflation than rate hikes | Editorial
The whisper that the government was considering price caps on food, now the biggest driver of inflation, has produced the inevitable backlash.Out scuttled mini-me Thatcherites and big business PRs waving shrouds.Ministers admitted only to looking into the idea of voluntary controls.But the last 15 years have shown that state intervention is considered economic heresy until it becomes politically necessary.
Chris Mason: Sudan evacuation remains a race against time
Political editor, BBC News
This is a race against time, circumstances and numbers.And all three are bleak.Time is ticking down to the ceasefire ending.The circumstances are grim: unpredictable, volatile and dangerous.And the latest numbers published by the Foreign Office make it look, on the face of it, like it will be very difficult to get every Brit out in time before the fighting resumes.
German government denies Scholz comments spurred raids on climate activists
A German government spokesperson on Friday rejected the notion that comments by Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticizing climate activists might have prompted raids against them this week.Police on Wednesday searched more than a dozen properties across Germany linked to the group Last Generation, seizing assets as part of a probe into its finances.
Zelenskyy's Germany trip: Why it matters and is important DW 05/13/2023
The relationship between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has seen its ups and downs.They have met face to face twice since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022; the first time was last June in Kyiv, long after other top politicians had visited there.
Zelenskyy's Germany trip: Why it matters and is important DW 05/13/2023
The relationship between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has seen its ups and downs.They have met face to face twice since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022; the first time was last June in Kyiv, long after other top politicians had visited there.
German capital sees 10th day of provocative climate protests
Climate activists staged a 10th straight day of protests in Berlin, blocking key roads during rush hour and bringing parts of the German capital to a standstill on Friday.Members of the group Last Generation glued themselves to the road, causing long traffic jams for commuters driving into the city.
German minister vows to learn from Canada' on immigration
The skills shortages in Germany and Austria have become recent and urgent priorities for both governments.At least 124,000 jobs need filling in Austria and the government estimates the actual need could be double that number.Germany's Labour Ministry estimates it currently needs to recruit around 400,000 foreign workers a year just to keep up.
Jobs in Austria: City of Vienna seeks 21,000 new employees
The skills shortages in Germany and Austria have become recent and urgent priorities for both governments.At least 124,000 jobs need filling in Austria and the government estimates the actual need could be double that number.Germany's Labour Ministry estimates it currently needs to recruit around 400,000 foreign workers a year just to keep up.
Germany's economy contracts, signaling a recession
People walk past a store in Berlin on Oct. 11, 2022.The German economy shrank unexpectedly in the first three months of this year.Michael Sohn/AP BERLIN The German economy shrank unexpectedly in the first three months of this year, marking the second quarter of contraction that is one definition of recession.
Russia-Ukraine war live: Kyiv officials decry unprecedented' recent missile strikes; one killed in Odesa attack
Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature A person has been killed in Russian missile strikes on Odesa, the military administration spokesman Serhiy Bratchuk has said on Telegram.Two people were injured.Most of the enemy's missiles were shot down over the sea by the Air Defense Forces.
Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 449 of the invasion
The Black Sea grain deal has been extended for two more months, in what the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, hailed as good news for the world.It comes a day before Russia might have quit the pact over obstacles to its grain and fertiliser exports.Ukraine's foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, told a top Chinese envoy at talks in Kyiv on Wednesday that Ukraine would not accept any proposals to end the war that involved losing territory or freezing the conflict, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.
Germany: Far-right group stands trial DW 05/17/2023
The trial of five suspected members of the "Vereinte Patrioten" (United Patriots) group begins on Wednesday (May 17) at the Higher Regional Court in the western German city of Koblenz.The four men, along with a 75-year-old woman who is suspected of being the group's ringleader, are accused of planning to overthrow the German government.
U.K. Pledges More Arms for Ukraine, Amid Zelensky's Whirlwind European Tour
LONDON Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Britain Monday on his whirlwind European tour, as the staunch ally of Kyiv promised to give Ukraine hundreds more missiles and attack drones in an effort to change the course of the war.Zelensky landed by helicopter at Chequers, the British leader's official country retreat, and was greeted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with a handshake and a hug.
You gain a thicker skin It would be unfair to say that Germans are rude.But Germans do tend to have a more direct communication style than say, people from the UK or from the US, which can sometimes come across as blunt or abrupt to non-natives.This directness can also extend to certain behavioural traits, such as not smiling as frequently as people in other cultures or engaging in small talk.
Living in Germany: Pickles, the Baltic coast and are supermarkets a place for small talk?
In this week's roundup of life in Germany, we take you on a brief trip to Wustrow on the Baltic Coast, give you the low-down on Germany's favourite variety of pickle and explain why some supermarkets in Bavaria are finally embracing a little thing called small-talk.Published: 15 May 2023 09:29 CEST Chairs on a beach near Wustrow on the Baltic Coast.
Russia-Ukraine war latest: G7 reportedly set to tighten Russia sanctions; France to send Kyiv military aid live
Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Wagner head offered to reveal Russian troop locations to Ukraine Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary force, offered to reveal the position of Russian troops to the Ukranian government, the Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing leaked U.S. intelligence documents.
Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 446 of the invasion
Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, landed in Paris ahead of bilateral talks with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.With each visit, Ukraine's defense and offensive capabilities are expanding, Zelensky tweeted as he arrived on Sunday evening at the airbase of Villacoublay, south-west of Paris.
Ukraine latest: Russia says two commanders killed in Donetsk
Bloomberg News President Volodymyr Zelenskiy traveled to Berlin on Sunday, where he met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other leaders, a day after a visit to Rome that included an audience with Pope Francis.Germany on Saturday announced it's preparing a record military aid package for Ukraine worth almost $3 billion.
Germany's Scholz vows to support Ukraine as long as needed'
Zelenskyy thanks Germany and assures partners that their military aid won't be used to attack Russian territory.Germany will support Ukraine as long as needed, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's first visit to capital Berlin since the start of the Russian invasion in February last year.
Ukrainian president says counteroffensive does not aim to attack Russian territory
Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, greets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, May 14, 2023.Associated Press/LaPresse (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Sunday that his country is preparing a counteroffensive designed to liberate areas occupied by Russia, not to attack Russian territory.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy is in Germany for the first time since Russia invaded
Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, greets Ukraine's Pesident Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, May 14, 2023.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin early Sunday for talks with German leaders about further arms deliveries to help his country fend off the Russian invasion and rebuild what's been destroyed in the conflict.
LIVE Ukraine's Zelenskyy meets Scholz in Berlin DW 05/14/2023
A German airforce plane flew Zelenskyy from Rome after meetings with Italian leaders and the pope Zelenskyy's talks in Berlin are to focus on weapons, air defense, reconstruction, EU and NATO Berlin has announced a new military aid package for Kyiv The visit was kept secret for security reasons This article was last updated at 0817 UTC Zelenskyy received at German chancellery Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was given full military honors as he arrived at the chancellery on Sunday morning.
LIVE Ukraine's Zelenskyy meets Steinmeier in Berlin DW 05/14/2023
Published 9 hours agoPublished 9 hours agolast updated 3 minutes agolast updated 3 minutes ago The Ukrainian president is making his first trip to Germany since Russia launched its invasion.He is expected to meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz and receive a prize in service of European unification.A German airforce plane flew Zelenskyy from Rome after meetings with Italian leaders and the pope Zelenskyy's talks in Berlin are to focus on weapons, air defense, reconstruction, EU and NATO Berlin has announced new military aid package to Kyiv The visit was kept secret for security reasons This article was last updated at 0741 UTC Steinmeier welcomes Zelenskyy to Berlin Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived for talks in Berlin with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Russia-Ukraine war live: Zelenskiy arrives in Berlin after Germany announces further 2.7bn of military aid
Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy landed in Berlin overnight as he seeks to shore up support from key allies.Already in Berlin, Zelenskiy tweeted shortly after midnight on Sunday, arriving from Italy where he met with Italian officials and Pope Francis.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy arrives in Berlin to meet German leaders, discuss arms deliveries
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin early Sunday for talks with German leaders about further arms deliveries to help his country fend off the Russian invasion and rebuild what's been destroyed by more than a year of devastating conflict.A Luftwaffe jet flew Zelenskyy to the German capital from Rome, where he had met Saturday with Pope Francis and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.
Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday, saying it was a great honor to meet with the pontiff, who has previously offered to do what he can to try to end the war launched by Russia's invasion of Ukraine a year ago.Zelenskyy held his hand of his heart as the pope, using a cane, came to greet him before ushering the Ukrainian into a papal studio near the Vatican's audience call.
Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 445 of the invasion
Volodymyr Zelenskiy has landed in Berlin, according to a post on the Ukrainian president's Twitter feed, as he seeks to shore up support from key allies.Already in Berlin, Zelenskiy tweeted shortly after midnight on Sunday, arriving from Italy where he met with Italian officials and Pope Francis.The German government has announced a further 2.7bn of military aid to Ukraine, its biggest such package since the Russian invasion.
ROME Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had private talks with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday, later saying he sought support for his peace plan from the pontiff, who in the past has offered to try to help end the full-scale war launched by Russia a year ago.Zelenskyy held his hand over his heart and said it was a great honor to meet with the pope.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy lands in Italy to meet the pope as Ukraine wins ground
Ukraine has regained at least a kilometre of territory in the eastern city of Bakhmut amid a Russian alleged withdrawal from the area, as the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy landed in Rome on Saturday to meet Pope Francis for the first time since Russia's invasion.Over the past four days, Russian troops from the 72nd separate motor rifle brigade (72 SMRB) possibly withdrew in bad order from their positions on the southern flank of the Bakhmut operation, said the UK's Ministry of Defence, in a move that, according to the British intelligence, reflects Moscow's severe shortage of credible combat units.
President Zelenskyy arrives in Rome for meetings with the pope and Italian leaders
An exterior view of the Quirinale presidential palace in Rome where Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Saturday.Riccardo De Luca/AP ROME Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on Saturday for talks with Italian officials and Pope Francis, who has said the Vatican has launched a behind-the-scenes initiative to try to end the war launched last year by Russia.
South Africa summons US envoy over Russia arms accusation DW 05/12/2023
The US envoy to South Africa accused Pretoria of sending arms to Russia to support its war in Ukraine, saying he's betting "his life" on the accuracy of the allegations.President Ramaphosa's office called for evidence.South Africa's Foreign Ministry summoned the US ambassador to meet Friday over allegations he made a day earlier about the country supplying arms to Russia for its war in Ukraine.
Ukraine updates: Counteroffensive needs time, Zelenskyy says DW 05/11/2023
19 minutes ago19 minutes ago A planned counteroffensive against Russian forces will have to wait until the military has had more time to prepare, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.Meanwhile, the EU and G7 are discussing sanctions.DW has the latest.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country needs more time to prepare for an anticipated counteroffensive against occupying Russian forces.
Berlin police probe leak into potential Zelenskyy trip DW 05/04/2023
Berlin police launched an investigation into how details about a possible visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the German capital reached the media.Police in the German capital said on Thursday they would open an investigation after details of a possible trip by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Germany appeared in the media.
Daughter urges Berlin to prevent German-Iranian's execution DW 02/24/2023
The daughter of Iranian-German dual national Jamshid Sharmahd, who has been sentenced to death in Iran, said she wants the German government to take "real action" to save her father's life.On Tuesday, a court in Iran sentenced her father to death for "corruption on Earth."Iran accuses him of leading an armed pro-monarchist group that it says carried out a deadly terror attack at a mosque in Shiraz in 2008.
Iran expels 2 German diplomats in tit-for-tat move DW 03/01/2023
The decision follows a similar move by Germany after a court in Tehran sentenced a German-Iranian citizen to death.Iran has designated two German envoys as personae non gratae and ordered them to leave the country, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday."The two German diplomats are being expelled due to their country's irresponsible interference in Iran's internal and judicial affairs," ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said.
Iran expels 2 German diplomats in tit-for-tat move DW 03/01/2023
The decision follows a similar move by Germany after a court in Tehran sentenced a German-Iranian citizen to death.Iran has designated two German envoys as personae non gratae and ordered them to leave the country, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday."The two German diplomats are being expelled due to their country's irresponsible interference in Iran's internal and judicial affairs," ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said.
Germany calls China systemic rival, seeks clarity on Russia
Germany's foreign minister described China on Wednesday as increasingly becoming a systemic rival on the world stage, and urged Beijing to call out Russia as the aggressor in the war in Ukraine.With China's top diplomat touring Europe this week, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna called on China to use its global clout to push for peace in Ukraine.
Biden, Scholz pledge Ukraine support at White House talks
In Scholz's first trip to Washington since February 2022, the two leaders underlined their resolve to back Kyiv following recent friction over tank deliveries.When they last met Russia was amassing its troops on the border, Biden said in brief remarks to the press, adding the West had vowed to respond and together we made good on that promise.
German firm in talks to build tank plant in Ukraine
In Scholz's first trip to Washington since February 2022, the two leaders underlined their resolve to back Kyiv following recent friction over tank deliveries.When they last met Russia was amassing its troops on the border, Biden said in brief remarks to the press, adding the West had vowed to respond and together we made good on that promise.
In Scholz's first trip to Washington since February 2022, the two leaders underlined their resolve to back Kyiv following recent friction over tank deliveries.When they last met Russia was amassing its troops on the border, Biden said in brief remarks to the press, adding the West had vowed to respond and together we made good on that promise.
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 378th day, we take a look at the main developments.Here is the situation as it stands on Wednesday, March 8, 2023: Russia's Wagner Group of mercenaries has taken full control of the eastern part of town of Bakhmut, its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said.Russian forces made more than 30 unsuccessful attacks over the past day near Orikhovo-Vasylivka alone, 20km (12 miles) northwest of Bakhmut, Ukraine's military said.
China says it won't seek to benefit from war in Ukraine
China's foreign minister said Tuesday that his country has no intention of benefiting from the war in Ukraine and hopes for further discussions on a peace plan Beijing proposed earlier this year.Speaking after a meeting with his German counterpart in Berlin, Foreign Minister Qin Gang noted the recent talks the government in Beijing had with both Moscow and Kyiv, and said China's special envoy for Europe was expected to visit Ukraine again soon.
Germany proposes rules to ease legal changes of gender
The German government on Tuesday presented a proposal for a law that will make it easier for people to legally change their name and gender, ending decades-old rules that require them to get expert assessments and a court's authorization.Under the planned self-determination law, adults would be able to change their first name and legal gender at registry offices without further formalities.
Living in Germany: Countryside life, Maultaschen and the British royal family's German roots
From what it's like to live in small town Germany, to the surprising German roots of the British royal family, here are some of our top talking points this week.Published: 8 May 2023 10:16 CEST The town of Riedlingen, Baden-Wurttemberg at the weekend.Local readers said small town life was often more scenic, quieter and family friendly.
PODCAST: Why Germany wants people to move to the countryside and the 49 ticket's rocky start
This week we talk about a German court case involving a naked landlord and rent reductions, medicine shortages, transport strikes, why the German government wants people to move to the countryside, the 49 ticket's first days and events in May.Published: 5 May 2023 09:07 CEST You can follow Germany in Focus and listen HERE or on the below platforms: In the first episode of our latest season, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany journalists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett.
German government doubles 2023 growth forecast to 0.4%
The German government on Wednesday doubled its growth forecast this year for Europe's largest economy after the country made it through the winter without major energy problems.It said it now expects gross domestic product to grow by 0.4% up from the 0.2% expansion it forecast in late January, which in turn was a big improvement on the 0.4% contraction predicted in October.
Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 400 of the invasion
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, has made a second visit to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine amid an escalation in the fighting around it.Rafael Mariano Grossi was shown around the plant by Russian occupying forces and officials, telling reporters: It is obvious that military activity is increasing in this whole region, so every possible measure and precautions should be taken so that the plant is not attacked.
Germany, EU reach agreement in combustion engine row
Germany and the European Union announced Saturday that they have reached an agreement in their dispute over the future of cars with combustion engines, allowing the registration of new vehicles with such engines even after 2035 provided they use climate-neutral fuel only.EU Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans tweeted that we have found an agreement with Germany on the future use of e-fuels in cars.
Man sentenced to five years for deadly attack at German pride parade
A police offer has allegedly sustained injuries after being shot at during a search in connection with Germany's conspiracy theorist Reichsburger group.Published: 22 March 2023 11:12 CET The police were searching a home in Reutlingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, on Wednesday morning as part of their investigations into the far-right Reichsburger group when the shots were fired.
Shots fired at police' during raids on German far-right group
The police were searching a home in Reutlingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, on Wednesday morning as part of their investigations into the far-right Reichsburger group when the shots were fired.One official suffered minor injuries as a result of the attack, according to reports.One witness near the scene said they had heard a loud bang at around 6am on Wednesday.
COMPARED: Germany's Chancenkarte vs. Austria's Red-White-Red card for skilled non-EU workers
The skills shortages in Germany and Austria have become recent and urgent priorities for both governments.At least 124,000 jobs need filling in Austria and the government estimates the actual need could be double that number.Germany's Labour Ministry estimates it currently needs to recruit around 400,000 foreign workers a year just to keep up.
War, transport weigh on Germany's efforts to curb emissions
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Germany cut its greenhouse gas emissions by almost 2% last year, beating previous estimates but still falling far short of the cuts needed to meet its medium-term climate goals, officials said Wednesday.
War, transport weigh on Germany's efforts to curb emissions
FILE -- Steam rises from the coal-fired power plant near wind turbines Niederaussem, Germany, as the sun rises on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022.Germany cut its greenhouse gas emissions by almost 2% last year, beating previous estimates but still falling far short of the cuts needed to meet its medium-term climate goals.
German court upholds move to take control of Rosneft units
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails A German federal court on Tuesday upheld a government decision last year to put two subsidiaries of Rosneft under the control of German authorities, throwing out complaints from the Russian oil giant.
Sorrow and shock in Germany after Jehovah's Witness hall shooting
Some want more gun restrictions after a man shot and killed seven people at a place of worship in Hamburg on Thursday.Berlin Sorrow, solidarity and shock are among the sentiments being expressed in Germany as the country comes to terms with a mass shooting in which seven people died at a Jehovah's Witness place of worship in Hamburg.
Thousands join Berlin rally calling for Ukraine peace talks
BERLIN - Thousands of people protested in Berlin on Saturday to condemn Germany's supply of arms to Ukraine and call for peace talks to end the war.The organizers were criticized before the protest for downplaying Ukraine's right to defend its territory from Russian aggression and failing to distance themselves from political extremists on the far right and far left, where pro-Russia views are common.
Thousands join Berlin rally calling for Ukraine peace talks
Thousands of people have protested in Berlin to condemn Germany's supply of arms to Ukraine and call for peace talks to end the war. he organisers were criticised before the protest for downplaying Ukraine's right to defend its territory from Russian aggression and failing to distance themselves from political extremists on the far right and far left, where pro-Russia views are common.
Germany offers temporary visas for Turkish, Syrian quake victims
The death toll from the earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria surpassed 29,000 on Sunday.People affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria will be allowed to stay temporarily with relatives in Germany, it has said.This is emergency aid, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told the Bild newspaper on Saturday.
Germany to ease visa conditions for some earthquake victims
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails The German government wants to temporarily ease visa restrictions for survivors of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria who have close family ties to Germany if they are facing homelessness or were injured.
Scholz's Social Democrats suffer blow with Berlin election loss
While the Berlin vote turned on local issues, the disappointing loss comes as Scholz faces widespread criticism for his hesitant military support for Ukraine in the wake of the Russian invasion last year.In a court-ordered rerun of the election in 2021, the chancellor's party slipped to their worst postwar result in the capital, where they have held the mayor's office since 2001.
How Turkish and Syrian quake victims can come to Germany on an emergency visa
As the German government, we want to help ensure that families in Germany can temporarily take in relatives affected by the earthquake if they no longer have a roof over their heads or need medical treatment, said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Greens.The Foreign Ministry formed a task force together with the Interior Ministry, and began its work over the weekend to quickly issue the visas, valid for three months, said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser on Saturday.
Germany steps up relief aid for quake victims in Turkey and Syria
Germany has said it plans to rapidly grant three-month visas to Turkish and Syrian earthquake victims with family in the country.Here's how they can apply.Published: 13 February 2023 13:00 CET As the German government, we want to help ensure that families in Germany can temporarily take in relatives affected by the earthquake if they no longer have a roof over their heads or need medical treatment, said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Greens.
Germany's military 'turning point' still a work in progress
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Nearly a year after Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared Russia's invasion of Ukraine a turning point that would trigger weapons shipments to a nation at war and a massive increase in Germany's military spending, the turnaround for his country's armed forces still has a long way to go.
Germany expels 2 Iranian diplomats over death sentence
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Germany said Wednesday that it is expelling two Iranian diplomats over the death sentence imposed in Iran against one of its citizens.Authorities in Iran announced Tuesday that Jamshid Sharmahd, a 67-year-old Iranian-German national and U.S. resident, was sentenced to death after being convicted of terrorist activities.
Thousands join Berlin rally calling for Ukraine peace talks
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Thousands of people protested in Berlin on Saturday to condemn Germany's supply of arms to Ukraine and call for peace talks to end the war.The organizers were criticized before the protest for downplaying Ukraine's right to defend its territory from Russian aggression and failing to distance themselves from political extremists on the far right and far left, where pro-Russia views are common.
Thousands rally in Berlin, Paris to call for peace in Ukraine
People in Berlin take part in a protest against the delivery of weapons to Ukraine.Protesters in Paris and Berlin capitals have rallied to demand peace in Ukraine, a day after the anniversary of Russia's invasion.Thousands of people protested in the Germany capital on Saturday to condemn the government's supply of arms to Ukraine and call for peace talks to end the war.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails The German government said Monday that it wants to set up a new power line network to connect its own offshore wind parks with those of its North Sea neighbors in order to eliminate bottlenecks in the European energy market.
Germany seeks to buy mothballed Swiss Leopard 2 tanks
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Germany wants to buy mothballed Leopard 2 battle tanks from Switzerland to replace tanks that Berlin and its Western allies are sending to Ukraine, the Swiss government said Friday.
1 in 4 children at risk of poverty in Europe, report says DW 03/07/2023
Almost 20 million children in European Union countries are living in poverty, according to the aid organization Save the Children.In 2021, the number of children at risk of poverty increased by 200,000 to 19.6 million, a new report by the organization found.Every fourth child in Europe was affected, the report stated.