Daily Briefing 23.05.2025, 12:50 (CEST)

Berlin to bid for Olympics with other four states

According to dpa information, the bid will be presented on May 27 at the Olympic stadium in Berlin.

German economy posts surprising 0.4% growth

Germany's sputtering economy unexpectedly saw gross domestic product (GDP) grow by 0.4% in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter, the Federal Statistical Office reported on Friday.

German minister regrets US decision to block foreigners from Harvard

"This saddens me very much. That's not a positive signal, neither for the young generation nor for the free world," German Research Minister Dorothee Bär said.

Arrest warrants issued for 20 suspects in global cybercrime crackdown

An international police operation has shut down 300 online servers as part of a major crackdown on cybercrime, Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) said on Friday.

Merz warns of dangers to democracy as Germany celebrates constitution

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on Friday that democracy needs to be defended against those who attack it "from within and without."

Number of new homes in Germany drops by 14% in 2024

Over the course of last year, 251,900 new homes were completed across Germany - 42,500 fewer than in the previous year.

Heidenheim fight back for 2-2 draw in play-off against Elversberg

Heidenheim fought back from a 2-0 deficit to claim a 2-2 home draw in the first leg of the Bundesliga relegation/promotion play-off against second division side Elversberg on Thursday.

'New era' for German army as permanent brigade launched in Lithuania

The German military entered what Chancellor Friedrich Merz described as a "new era" on Thursday, with the launching of its first large unit stationed permanently in another country.

German foreign minister shocked at killing of Israeli embassy staff

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed his shock on Thursday at the shooting dead of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington.

Merz: Humanitarian aid must finally reach the people in Gaza

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on the Israeli government to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach the suffering population in the Gaza Strip without delay.