Daily Briefing 22.08.2025, 11:27 (CEST)

Ex-German security adviser calls on Berlin to recognize Palestine

Former Munich Security Conference chairman Christoph Heusgen has urged the German government to recognize a Palestinian state in light of the suffering in the Gaza Strip.

German economy contracts by revised 0.3% in Q2, more than expected

German economic output slowed more than expected in the second quarter, the country's statistical office said on Friday, with gross domestic product (GDP) down by 0.3% compared to the previous quarter.

Germany to ease burden on electricity consumers from 2026

German electricity consumer prices are set to ease next year due to a €6.5 billion ($7.55 billion) government subsidy to finance transmission costs, sources in the Economics Ministry said on Thursday.

Policeman shot dead in western Germany after petrol station robbery

A police officer was shot dead in western Germany on Thursday during a robbery at a petrol station.

Ex-German security adviser calls on Berlin to recognize Palestine

Former Munich Security Conference chairman Christoph Heusgen has urged the German government to recognize a Palestinian state in light of the suffering in the Gaza Strip

German economy treading water, Bundesbank reports

Germany's central bank (Bundesbank) announced on Thursday that the German economy will not make any significant gains in the current quarter.

Germany picks 'Sound of Falling' for 2026 Oscars after golden era

German drama "Sound of Falling" has been chosen as the country's entry for Best International Feature Film at next year's Oscars, hoping to replicate a stunning run of success for German ci...

Survey: Most Germans think Merz cannot influence Trump on Ukraine

Only 13% of Germans believe that their chancellor, Friedrich Merz, can significantly influence US President Donald Trump on issues relating to the war in Ukraine, a new survey suggests.

German far-right politician to stand trial for incitement to hatred

A controversial member of Bavaria's state parliament from Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) will stand trial on numerous charges, including incitement to hatred and money la...

German intelligence uses spy video game to attract talent at Gamescom

The German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) has turned to video games to attract new talent, unveiling a spy-themed title at Cologne's computer games fair Gamescom.