Germany's Incoming Chancellor Merz: We should have 0% tariffs on all transatlantic trade, then the problem is solved
OSW: The inauguration of the new chancellor is planned for May 7, so that Friedrich Merz can participate in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II as head of government
Germany's Merz: New government should stand in the week after April 28
6 hour agoFriedrich Merz just presented core elements of coalition agreement. Tax cuts, tough on migration, rejections at the border, rollback of citizenship after 3 years back to 5 years but fast track migration to Germany for highly skilled workers
6 hour agoAction against "fake news": The wording from the exploratory paper remains unchanged. "The deliberate dissemination of false factual claims is not covered by freedom of expression," the coalition agreement states.
7 hour agoThe National Security Council and the National Situation Center (for direct crisis management) will be established, BOTH in the Chancellery,- the coalition agreement, page 126:
The CDU/CSU-SPD coalition has apparently agreed on a change to citizenship law. The earliest naturalization possible is after five years, instead of the three years introduced by the "Ampel" coalition (assuming good integration).
AFP quoting the German Foreign Minister: Netanyahu's visit to Hungary is a bad day for international law
German Economy Minister: Trump will succumb to pressure if Europe unites on tariffs
1 week agoPresident Zelenskyy met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Kyiv
LAUNCH and FAILURE of the first ISAR Aerospace Spectrum from Andoya at 1030 UT Mar 30, with loss of control at T+30s
Merz: Germany must be ready to assume leadership responsibility in the European Union again. Jointly representing Europe's interests is more than the sum of its parts. We could do much more in this regard. (FM)
The German upper house of parliament passes a constitutional amendment clearing the way for a multibillion-euro financial package for defence, infrastructure and climate protection measures
Military officials from at least 26 countries attended today's "Coalition of the willing" meeting. Those include: UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Ukraine, Poland, Canada, Denmark, Australia, Czechia, Finland, Bulgaria, Albania, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Romania, Portugal, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus, Türkiye, Spain, Italy, Estonia
German Foreign Minister from Damascus: We call on Syria to join the anti-ISIS coalition.
SANA: President al-Shara and Foreign Minister receive German Foreign Minister and Vice President of the European Parliament in Damascus.
The German parliament approved changes in the German Constitution (Grundgesetz), which will allow Germany to extend military/security expenditures basically without limit. Votes Yes: 513 No: 207 Abstain: 0
3 week agoMerz: "Putin's war is directed not only against Ukraine, but also against Europe – against our security and our freedom. We will defend ourselves against these attacks with everything at our disposal in the coming years and decades."
EasternDRC: The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes fully supports the call by Angolan President @jlprdeangola for a ceasefire. All parties must resume the political process
3 week agoLeavitt: "It's only because of the United States of America that the French aren't speaking German right now”
3 week agoNeo-Nazi march now runs through Essen, large-scale police operation, hundreds of officers must separate the right-wing radicals and counter-demonstrators e1503
Germany's CDU/CSU of Friedrich Merz agrees with Social Democrats and Greens on a gigantic new debt package for defense, infrastructure and climate. The deal paves the way for historic changes to Germany's debt brake next week amid new security challenges (Russia, Trump)
Signed a memorandum of understanding with Diehl Defence, the manufacturer of IRIS-T systems, — Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov. The signed agreement paves the way for large industrial projects that will strengthen the capabilities of Ukrainian air defense. The Memorandum also provides for a threefold increase in the supply of missiles and air defense systems
Germany calls reports of mass killings in Syria 'shocking'
1 month agoThe German conservatives of Friedrich Merz and the centre-left SPD said Saturday they have reached an in-principle agreement to form a government that plans to invest massively to revive and rearm Europe's largest economy
Merz: Europe's self-defense can no longer afford delay after Washington's decision to halt aid to Ukraine
1 month agoGermany will massively increase spending in defense and infrastructure. - The debt limit law (Schuldenbremse) will be suspended for defense expenditure. The exact number has not been disclosed, yet, but it will certainly be somewhere between 3% and 5% GDP. The main point is that there is no limit and not fixed time-frame. All-in if necessary. - €500 billion for infrastructure (rail, bridges, airports, critical infrastructure) will be allocated over a period of 10 years. CDU leader and incoming Chancellor Merz:"Whatever it takes."
President Zelensky: Had a productive conversation with the leader of the CDU party, which won the Bundestag elections, @_FriedrichMerz. We coordinated our positions and I appreciate his support. Ukraine highly values Germany’s efforts to restore European security and protect lives in our country. We remember that Germany is the leader in supplying air defense systems to Ukraine and plays a crucial role in ensuring our financial stability. Agreed with Friedrich Merz on further cooperation and contacts
At least one dead, several injured after person drives car into crowd and Mannheim, Germany - police
1 month agoUK PM Starmer and French President Macron have arrived at the London summit on Ukraine, per Sky News. They will soon be joined by Zelensky and leaders from Italy, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Finland, and Romania. Representatives from Canada and Turkey are also expected to attend
