Germany

The economy is pivoting toward defense and AI amid corporate restructuring. Volkswagen is planning major job cuts while exploring missile defense production, and Rheinmetall reports strong growth from the defense boom. BASF expands in China and Commerzbank faces a takeover bid.

• 28Volkswagen plans to cut 50,000 jobs by 2030 as profits fall
• 14Volkswagen in talks to make parts for Israel's Iron Dome in Germany
• 10Delivery Hero sells its Taiwan food delivery business to rival Grab
• 10German companies Telekom and SAP announce new AI initiatives
• 9Rheinmetall reports strong growth and higher dividend from defense boom

The political order is fragmenting as the AfD achieves historic gains in state elections, eroding the SPD's power. Chancellor Merz engages with the US while criticizing its Iran policy, and the SPD leader outlines domestic reform plans.

• 45SPD loses power in German state election, AfD reaches record high
• 28German Chancellor Merz meets with Trump at the White House
• 24German opposition leader criticizes EU group's contacts with far-right party
• 16SPD leader Klingbeil outlines tax and reform plans for Germany
• 16Greens win Baden-Württemberg election as far-right AfD makes historic gains

Domestic security is strained by organized crime and infrastructure attacks, while international tensions over missile systems persist. Police conduct nationwide raids after an arson attack on Berlin's power grid, and a Turkish mafia group terrorizes Berlin businesspeople.

• 8Police conduct nationwide raids after arson attack on Berlin power grid
• 7Analysis suggests US-operated Patriot missile caused Bahrain blast
• 6German military ombudsman criticizes Bundeswehr structure and personnel shortages
• 4Berlin arson attacks target vehicles and buildings
• 4Berlin Airport Was Temporarily Closed for Security Reasons

Society is polarized by a heated debate over migration, with the opposition leader calling for the return of Syrian refugees. This tension overshadows other issues like transport strikes and protests against digital sexual violence.

• 9German opposition leader aims to return most Syrian refugees to Syria
• 7Thousands demonstrate in Berlin against digital sexual violence
• 6Berlin airport halts all passenger flights due to strike
• 5Collien Fernandes cancels Hamburg demonstration appearance after death threats
• 4Axel Springer buys UK's Telegraph for $766 million, ending ownership limbo