Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news of Tuesday
German industry alliance lays out domestic investment push
More than 60 German companies said Monday they would fund new domestic investments worth at least €100 billion each as Chancellor Friedrich Merz moves to revive Europe's largest economy.
Members of the "Made for Germany" initiative said in a statement they would invest a total of 631 billion euros in Germany by 2028.
The amount included investments already planned as well as new spending, they said.
The pledge was intended as a "strong endorsement of Germany's potential" following recent investment outflows worth hundreds of billions of euros, the signatories said.
The initiative was being led by executives from Germany's blue-chip companies, including lender Deutsche Bank and industrial group Siemens.
The CEOs of the two German heavyweights were received in the chancellery in Berlin by Merz, who declared that "the message is very clear... it is worth investing in Germany again".
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) chats with Blackrock's Germany manager Dirk Schmitz at the launch of the "Made for Germany" initiative on July 21, 2025 at the Chancellery in Berlin. Photo: JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP
Merz's government, which came to office in May with a pledge to revitalise Germany's struggling economy and boost investment, has already approved a sweeping package of corporate tax breaks and loosened constitutional spending limits to plough hundreds of billions into defence and infrastructure.
READ ALSO:
What's in Germany's giant spending package?
Severe weather warnings lifted in Berlin and Brandenburg
Despite severe weather warnings, the night in Berlin and the surrounding areas passed without many incidents.
The German weather service (DWD) had
warned of severe weather with heavy rainfall
in large parts of eastern Germany on Monday.
At the height of the heavy rain, there were 24 weather-related operations, a spokesman for the Berlin fire department told
Tagesspiegel
on Monday evening, adding, "That's not a big number".
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A concert by pop superstar Robbie Williams was postponed to Wednesday as a precaution, and an open air performance by opera singer Anna Nebtrenko was also cancelled.
Weather in the region is expected to remain wet and windy until Wednesday.
Food inspectors busier than ever in Baden-Württemberg
A total of 956 business closures were imposed in Baden-Württemberg in 2024, according to the last annual report from the food inspection authority – up from 800 in 2023.
In total, inspectors checked around 70,000 businesses last year and found around 9,500 violations during more than 110,000 inspections. According to the report, almost half the violations were related to general hygiene conditions.
As an example, the inspectors cite a bar with an ice cube machine which was so neglected that food was no longer fit for consumption. The ice cubes were heavily contaminated with germs and stank of smoke.
The report also states that encrustations on the nozzles of the commercial coffee machine had 'led to the formation of stalactite-like formations' after a long period of not being cleaned.
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Germany looks to roll back taxes on flights
Germany's government signalled Monday that it may reverse a rise in the tax applied to passenger flights as it steers a pro-business turn in Europe's top economy.
Airlines have long complained that the charges in Germany -- aimed in part to reduce carbon emissions -- are among the highest in Europe, harming competitiveness.
Germany last hiked the duty in May 2024, with the levy for short-haul flights hitting €15.33, up from €12.73, and that for long-haul routes soaring to €70.83 from €58.06.
For comparison, France is planning to increase its tax on economy-class flights to destinations within Europe to €7.30, up from €2.63 now.
READ ALSO:
Why the prices of flights from Germany are going up
Last year's increase under Germany's then-chancellor Olaf Scholz has brought in almost two billion euros since it was imposed but also led to anger from airlines.
Reversing the tax rise as part of the 2026 budget is now being discussed between Germany's ruling coalition parties, the conservative CDU/CDU and the centre-left SPD,
Bild
reported.
Budget airlines like Ryanair and German rival Eurowings have long complained about taxes in Germany, and have cut some flights from German airports in recent years.
However, that the aviation industry remains one of the biggest beneficiaries of fossil fuel subsidies, and airlines pay fewer levies than railway companies, which is why airfare is often cheaper than overland travel.
READ ALSO:
'Denial of reality' - Is Germany's future government ignoring the threat of climate change?
Germany, Norway vow to step up North Atlantic surveillance
NATO allies Germany and Norway agreed on Monday to step up surveillance against maritime and airborne "threats" in the northern Atlantic region amid high tensions with Russia over the Ukraine war.
"Germany and Norway aim to ensure stability and security in maritime areas, including in the High North," said a joint statement released as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Berlin.
The two countries also reaffirmed their "unwavering support for Ukraine as it defends its freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity against Russia's continued war of aggression."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) welcomes Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere for talks at the Chancellery in Berlin on July 21, 2025. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
Berlin and Oslo said that "the North Atlantic, including the strategically crucial Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) and Bear gaps and adjacent waters, and the North and Baltic Seas, are crucial for both Norwegian and German security."
This, they said, was why their armed forces trained and patrolled the seas together and "cooperate closely under NATO's Regional Plans", the statement added.
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Germany metal and electrical industry sheds 60,000 jobs since the beginning of 2025
The number of employees in the metal and electrical industry continues to decline. According to a survey of companies conducted by the employers' association Gesamtmetall, around 60,000 jobs have been lost in the sector since the beginning of 2025 alone.
According to the association, 3.9 million people were still employed in the industry at the end of 2024. Plans for staff cuts are also increasing noticeably, with one in every two companies in the automotive sector planning more redundancies.
With reporting by DPA, AFP and Tom Pugh.
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DW
12 hours ago
- DW
Middle East: Israel risks isolation, German FM says – DW – 07/31/2025
The German foreign minister called the situation in Gaza "beyond imagination" and said Israel needs to show it is not pursuing a policy of expulsion and annexation. Meanwhile, a US special envoy prepares to visit Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Thursday that Israel was in danger of becoming isolated, and Berlin was trying to prevent that from happening. "Israel must always find friends, partners and supporters in the international community," he said in Jerusalem. "And that is currently in danger in this situation. If there is one country that has a responsibility to prevent this, then in my view it is Germany." Wadephul also called the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip "beyond imagination" and said Israel needed to show it was not enacting a policy of "expulsion" and "annexation" in the Palestinian territory. He also said Israel had a responsibility to allow humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza "quickly, safely and sufficiently to avert mass deaths." Wadephul's comments came after arriving in Israel as part of a two-day trip that will also see him visit the Israeli-occupied West Bank. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff will inspect an aid distribution center in Gaza on Friday, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. "Tomorrow, special envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will be traveling into Gaza to inspect the current distribution sites and secure a plan to deliver more food, and meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand about this dire situation on the ground," she told reporters in a Thursday briefing. While international politicians often travel to Israel and the occupied West Bank, trips to Gaza are far less frequent. The visit comes after the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said 111 Palestinians had died in the territory over the past 24 hours, including 91 people who were seeking aid. Israel said Thursday it had conducted strikes in Lebanon on key Hezbollah infrastructure, where the militant group manufactured and stored missiles. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said targets included "Hezbollah's biggest precision missile manufacturing site," and the military said it struck "infrastructure that was used for producing and storing strategic weapons" in the Bekaa Valley in the east of the country, and the south. "Any attempt by the terrorist organization to recover, reestablish or threaten will be met with relentless intensity," Katz added. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency also reported strikes in the Bekaa Valley and the south of the country. Both Katz and the Israeli military said Hezbollah was trying to rebuild its military infrastructure and demanded that the Lebanese army move to disarm the militant group. Earlier on Thursday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that his country was determined to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah. The United States and more than a dozen of its allies on Thursday said Iran has been trying to murder and kidnap dissidents, journalists and officials in Western countries. "We are united in our opposition to the attempts of Iranian intelligence services to kill, kidnap, and harass people in Europe and North America in clear violation of our sovereignty," the governments of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US said in a statement. The countries said such activities were being carried out in collaboration with international criminal networks. London has said it has halted more than 20 Iranian-linked plots to kidnap or kill individuals in Britain, including UK nationals and others Iran views as threats since early 2022. In October, the Reuters news agency reported that Iran was behind a wave of efforts to assassinate and abduct individuals across Europe and the United States. In March, the UK government said it wanted the Iranian state to register all political influence activities, citing increasingly aggressive behavior by Iran's intelligence services. In a post on the social media platform X, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has accused the German government of supporting Nazism. Without providing further context, the right-wing firebrand posted, "80 years after the Holocaust, and Germany is returning to support Nazism." The post was published as German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul landed in Israel for talks with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. Wadephul said his trip would focus on ensuring that more humanitarian aid reaches people in the Gaza Strip as well as to further iterate German support for a two-state solution to the ongoing conflict. Wadephul has said recognition of a Palestinian state would be the logical end of the process. A key member of Netanyahu's coalition government, Ben-Gvir has said he would leave the government if Israel stops the war in Gaza and has come out in favor of the displacement of Palestinians and expanding Israeli settlements to Gaza. The UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands have imposed sanctions against Ben-Gvir. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video US special envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli media reported the meeting would focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israeli hostages held by militants, and relations with Iran. The Ynet news portal reported that Witkoff may visit the Gaza Strip, saying he would like to personally look at the work being done by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). There have been reports of Palestinians being killed while lining up for food at GHF distribution sites. The GHF's role in distributing aid has been criticized by several aid organizations, with Amnesty International describing its operations as "illegitimate and inhumane." The United States is imposing sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The State Department said in a statement that the groups are undermining peace efforts. "It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace," the State Department said. The statement did not specify who was being targeted or no longer able to receive visas to travel to the United States. The State Department wrote that the Palestinian Authority is "taking actions to internationalize its conflict with Israel such as through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ)," and accused them of "continuing to support terrorism." The Palestinian Authority is the governing body that has overseen parts of Israeli-occupied West Bank since the 1990s. An open letter signed by over 200 actors, musicians and media personalities has urged German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to take action in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They acknowledge Merz's increased criticism of the Israeli government in recent days, but urge him to go further, writing "words alone won't save lives." The letter, organized by the group Avaaz, addresses children suffering in Gaza, saying: "More than 17,000 have already been killed. Hundreds of thousands are injured, traumatized, displaced and starving." The signatories urged Merz to stop arms exports to Israel, to support the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to demand an immediate ceasefire and access for humanitarian aid. "We too condemn the horrific crimes committed by Hamas in the strongest possible terms. But no crime justifies collectively punishing millions of innocent people in the most brutal manner," the letter states. Actors Daniel Brühl and Heike Makatsch and singers Shirin David and Zartmann are among the stars who have signed the letter. "These steps are deeply in line with European values and would make it unmistakably clear to the Israeli government that even its closest allies can no longer accept the suffering, and that words are not enough," the letter said. Germany approved €326.5 million ($374 million) in arms exports to Israel in 2023, a sharp increase from previous years. In 2024, approvals fell by half amid mounting legal and political pressure. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has departed for Israel and the Palestinian territories to hold talks on the worsening situation in Gaza. In a statement ahead of his departure, Wadephul said the trip aims to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing threat from Hamas and growing international pressure on Israel. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video "Hamas continues to hold hostages, including German citizens, and is still refusing a ceasefire," Wadephul said. "At the same time, the suffering and deaths in Gaza have reached an unimaginable scale." The German top diplomat called for additional humanitarian aid for people in Gaza. "Only by land can sufficient quantities of aid reach the people," Wadephul said. "I, therefore, urge the Israeli government to allow the UN and international aid organizations safe access and, above all, safe and effective distribution." Wadephul also pointed to increasing international isolation for Israel, citing the recent UN conference in New York and noting that more countries, including some in Europe, are considering recognizing a Palestinian state without waiting for a negotiated peace process. He said the region is at a crossroads, and that Germany, because of its historic responsibility toward Israel, cannot remain passive. As famine-like conditions take hold in Gaza, human rights organizations have criticized plans by Germany and other countries to drop aid in via airlifts. They say this is symbolic politics and inefficient. Read the full story on the criticism levelled at plans to airdrop aid into Gaza. A German delegation, led by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is headed to Israel and the occupied West Bank on Thursday for talks with representatives from the Israeli government and the UN. The two-day trip is expected to focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Wadephul saying he would push for a ceasefire. "The main goal is definitely a ceasefire," Wadephul told Politico. As for humanitarian aid, he said "the number of victims in the Gaza Strip is too high. We need to ease the suffering of the people there." The visit comes amid increasing international pressure on Israel to end its war, with more and more Western countries pledging to recognize Palestinian statehood. Germany, however, has said it has no short-term plans to recognize a Palestinian state, despite being committed to a two-state solution. Siemtje Möller, the deputy parliamentary leader of the Social Democrats (SPD), is also part of the delegation. The SPD governs in coalition with Wadephul's center-right CDU. In an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Thursday morning, Möller called for "real pressure" to end the suffering in Gaza. She also suggested that Germany could consider recognizing a Palestinian state sooner than expected. "The recognition of a Palestinian state is not a taboo and doesn't necessarily have to come at the end of a [two-state] process," she said before the flight. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to leave for Israel as the US looks to address the worsening starvation crisis in Gaza, according to US media reports. The trip comes in the midst of stalled truce talks between Israel and Palestine's Hamas militant group. Witkoff said last week that the US had withdrawn its negotiating delegation from Qatar over what he called a lack of willingness by Hamas to reach a ceasefire. Israel has also pulled its team from the talks. The US, Qatar and Egypt are mediating between Israel and Hamas, who do not talk directly. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video US President Donald Trump has threatened Canada with repercussions for negotiations on a trade deal after it announced its plans to recognize Palestinian statehood. "Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them," Trump said on Truth Social, his social media platform. Trump's statement is set to intensify a trade war between US and Canada, just a day ahead of the August 1 deadline to seal a tariff agreement. If the two countries fail to strike an agreement by the deadline, Canada faces a 35% tariff on goods which are not covered under the US-Mexico-Canada trade pact. On Wednesday, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for September. The UK and France have also said over the last week that they would support statehood for Palestine. Canada has joined Britain and France to say that it "intends" to recognize a Palestinian state in September. However, Canada's decision has resulted in threats from US President Donald Trump as a deadline for a trade agreement between the two countries nears. Trump has said that Canada's support for Palestinian statehood would make it difficult for the US to zero-in on an agreement with Canada. Canada will be hit with a 35% tariff on its exports to the US if a deal cannot be reached, the president said. Also, US special envoy Steve Witkoff will reportedly travel to Israel on Thursday in light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Stay up-to-date with this blog as we bring you the latest reports, analyses, and explainers on the situation in Gaza.
Local Germany
17 hours ago
- Local Germany
What Americans need to know about studying in Germany
Germany is a popular choice for aspiring learners from abroad – not least because it offers free or low-cost tuition fees to both domestic and international students. In the 2023/2024 winter semester, around 469,485 international students were registered in Germany, according to statistics compiled by the Wissenschaft Weltoffen. The Bundesrepublik is also home to some of the world's top universities. According to an international university ranking for 2025 by Times Higher Education, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) ranked 26th in the world, while Heidelberg University took the 47th spot. Add to that a solid jobs market with opportunities for English speakers, it's no wonder that Americans are hopping over the Atlantic for a few years or longer. This longing to move among some US citizens and residents has intensified since Donald Trump was re-elected as US President. With the crackdown on immigration, turbulent politics and the rising cost of living showing no signs of dampening down, it's no wonder that many Americans are eyeing Germany to continue their education. READ ALSO: 'I will never move back' - How do Americans in Germany feel about Trump win? Here's what any Americans thinking about applying to study in Germany need to know: You don't have to pay tuition fees (in many cases) When deciding on where to study in Germany, you'll no doubt be thinking about the subject you want to specialise in, where you'd like to live and, of course, how much it's going to cost. In the United States, the cost of going to college depends on factors such as whether it's a public or private institution, and where it's situated. Students on average have to shell out around 38,270 US Dollars per year for their tuition, as well as other expenses like books and supplies, according to recent statistics on education. In Germany, you'll be glad to hear that it's a lot less expensive. In fact, at public universities, you don't even have to pay any tuition fees. Keep in mind, though, that students usually have to pay a Semesterbeitrag (semester fee) which covers administrative costs and other services. This could be anywhere from around €100 to €400, and often includes a public transport ticket. Advertisement Many of these also offer courses in English. If you're up to the job, you can also apply for a course in German, although a B2 level German language certificate will likely be required. Note that non-native English speakers will likely need to show proof of their English language skills. Public universities that provide free tuition and programmes in English include: Berlin's Free University, the University of Hamburg, the University of Göttlingen and University of Freiburg among others. A few universities, such as the Technical University of Munich, have different fee rules for international students so make sure you read the small print. READ ALSO: What international students should know about scholarships in Germany The 'best' universities in Germany for 2025 Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Julian Stratenschulte Even private university tuition in Germany is relatively affordable Budding students in the US may find that one of Germany's many accredited private universities are a better choice for them. That could be down to several reasons such as their varied selection of courses or because there are more English-language opportunities. Some private universities include: Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management and Bard College Berlin. There are also some private practical and technical schools - often with Hochschule in the name - offering English-language programmes. Fees are set at the discretion of the university but can be anywhere around €5,000-€7,000 per semester which is lower than many other countries (including the US). Advertisement You'll need a student residence permit As an American, you can enjoy visa-free travel to Germany. Citizens of countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil and Japan are allowed to spend 90 days in the EU in every 180 without needing a visa (although bear in mind that you'll have to get familiar with the EU's new Exit and Entry System rules known as EES). However, Americans do need a student residence permit to attend university. After you've arrived in Germany and registered your address, you'll need to get an appointment at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) – and make sure you have your documents ready to go! CHECKLIST: How to move to Germany as an American The most important one for students is your certificate confirming your enrolment to an accredited study programme in Germany. Bring that along with an application form, biometric pictures and a valid passport. You'll also need to meet other requirements such as having health insurance and some money saved (more on that below). Check the requirements of your local authority because you may need other documents such as proof of your rental contract or a letter from your landlord confirming your address. You'll also have to pay the fee for the permit. Some German universities offer support for their students coming from abroad, including helping them prepare residence permit applications. Advertisement Get familiar with key rules Americans coming to Germany – like other internationals – have to prove that they have enough money to support themselves. This often needs to be stored in a so-called 'blocked account' ( Sperrkonto ), which is a a special type of bank account for international students and other visa applicants. According to the latest figures, internationals starting university generally need a total of €11,904 per year in their account. This amounts to €992 per month for living expenses. Alternatively, some students lean on parental support to prove their financial stability. In this case, you can skip setting up the blocked account and instead provide a guarantee letter ( Verpflichtungserklärung ) from a guardian in which they confirm that they take full financial responsibility for you. The guarantor will need to provide a bank statement or other proof that they have enough money to do so. It is also a requirement in Germany for everyone, including students coming from abroad, to have health insurance. Depending on your age and other factors, you may qualify for public health insurance. Students over 30 generally have to take out private insurance. On average, the cost of student health insurance in Germany is between €130 and €150 per month, according to estimates from October 2024. READ ALSO: How much money do international students need to study in Germany? Be aware of the semester dates and deadlines If you're applying for university in Germany, you need to know when the semesters run, and the deadlines for joining classes. In Germany the academic year is split into two: The winter semester is from October to March and the summer semester runs from April to September. The semesters include a lecture-free period, known as a Semesterferien , when exams are typically scheduled. The deadlines can vary depending on the institution, but many schools have an application deadline around July 15th for courses starting in the autumn/winter period, and around January 15th for courses starting in the spring/summer period. A woman works on her laptop. Photo: Pixabay You can work part-time Students in Germany regularly find a part-time job to boost their bank account. International students, such as those from the US, are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without extra approval from authorities. A simpler way to think about it is that students from non-EU countries are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. During the semester break there are no limits on the number of hours that students can work. READ ALSO: Weimar to Heidelberg - The best German university towns for foreign students Advertisement Many students opt for a minijob, which allows them to earn extra cash without paying full social security contributions. These can be found at bars and cafes, for example. From January 2025, students can earn up to €556 per month in a minijob, working around 43.3 hours per month at the new minimum wage. That works out at around 11 hours per week, which is below the 20 permitted for international students. Alternatively, depending on your industry, there may also be 'working student' ( Werkstudent ) jobs to be found. These jobs can be especially convenient for those on a student residence permit, because they are designed to be aligned with the working time limits mentioned above. They are also intended to let students get their foot in the door and gain some entry-level experience before graduating. Are you an American who has studied in Germany? Share in the comments about how you've found the experience – and any tips.
DW
17 hours ago
- DW
Germany updates: Sabotage suspected in major rail disruption – DW – 07/31/2025
A fire on the main railway line between Düsseldorf and Duisburg has caused major disruptions to train services across western Germany. Police now suspect sabotage. A fire on a rail line between Duisburg and Düsseldorf has paralyzed Deutsche Bahn's main north-south corridor, causing widespread disruptions. A railway spokesperson said train traffic would face massive delays, with the disruption expected to last throughout the day. Long-distance services are also affected. It comes on the same day that Deutsche Bahn reported that 63.4% of its long-distance trains are now arriving within 15 minutes of schedule. In its first-half results, the company also reported a reduced loss of €760 million, nearly €1 billion less than in the same time last year. More than 30,000 people in Germany have signed a petition calling for the return of a Yazidi family deported to Iraq. The family was deported despite a court having lifted their obligation to leave the country on the same day. On Tuesday, last week, 43 people were deported to Iraq on a charter flight from Leipzig to Baghdad. The Yazidi family was among those on board. The Yazidis are a religious minority that suffered genocide at the hands of the so-called "Islamic State" (IS) militant group in Iraq in 2014, making such deportations particularly contentious. Classmates of the family's 6-year-old child appear to have created a petition on stating that the family was deported "for no apparent reason" and urging German authorities to work toward bringing them back. Last week, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Rene Wilke said he wanted to bring the family back quickly in coordination with the federal government. Police in Germany are investigating an alleged act of sabotage targeting a major railway line between Düsseldorf and Duisburg, which has disrupted both regional and long-distance services. The fire broke out in a cable duct near Düsseldorf and was discovered when a train driver noticed smoke and raised the alarm. Deutsche Bahn warned of significant delays, rerouted trains, and suspended stops at several stations in the region. High-speed rail lines to Berlin and Frankfurt am Main, as well as connections to northern and southern Germany and the Netherlands, have also been impacted, the rail operator announced. The cables in the affected tunnel segment were destroyed and will need to be replaced. German lawmakers in the Bundestag's Budget Committee have unlocked €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) for urgent bridge repairs. It comes after Autobahn GmbH halted contract tenders for 2025 in mid-July due to a lack of funds. The state-owned company warned of major delays to bridge renovations as billions in infrastructure funding remained unavailable. The German government said Thursday's approval means Autobahn can fully spend the €2.5 billion earmarked in the special fund this year for bridge and tunnel rehabilitation, including on major traffic arteries such as the A7 and A3 motorways. As many as 5,000 of the 40,000 bridges along the country's autobahns are in such poor condition that they urgently need repair. More than half of the autobahn bridges were built before 1985, including most of the major valley bridges in former West Germany. Autobahn reported a "dramatic increase" in the maintenance backlog on highways, which could severely impact traffic safety. German inflation remained unchanged in July, preliminary data from the Federal Statistics Office Destatis showed. Annual inflation in Europe's top economy came in at 2.0%. Unemployment in Germany rose by 65,000 in from June to July, just shy of a total of 2.979 million, according to the Federal Employment Agency in Nuremberg. The unemployment rate now stands at 6.3%, with Bremen and Berlin the cities with the most unemployed people. That's 171,000 more than the same time last year. Experts expect the total number of unemployed to top 3 million in August. "Unemployment has risen due to the start of the summer break. Companies remain cautious about reporting new jobs, and employment subject to social insurance contributions is hardly increasing at all," Andrea Nahles, the head of the Federal Employment Agency said. More than 200 celebrities have signed an open letter to Friedrich Merz, stating that "words alone won't save lives" in Gaza. They are urging the German chancellor to halt arms deliveries to Israel over its military actions in Gaza. "We too condemn the horrific crimes committed by Hamas in the strongest possible terms. But no crime justifies collectively punishing millions of innocent people in the most brutal manner," the letter states. Actors Daniel Brühl and Heike Makatsch, along with musicians Shirin David and Zartmann, are among the artists and media personalities who co-signed the letter, which was organized by the campaign group Avaaz. Germany approved €326.5 million ($374 million) in arms exports to Israel in 2023, a sharp increase from previous years. In 2024, approvals fell by half amid mounting legal and political pressure. In addition to calling for a ban on weapons deliveries, the signatories want Merz to support suspending the European Union's Association Agreement with Israel. They also demand an immediate cease-fire and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. "These steps are deeply in line with European values and would make it unmistakably clear to the Israeli government that even its closest allies can no longer accept the suffering, and that words are not enough," the letter reads. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Once renowned for its punctuality, Germany's rail operator has struggled in recent years to maintain its reputation. However, Deutsche Bahn reported a slight improvement over the past six months, with 63.4% of long-distance trains arriving within 15 minutes of schedule, according to its first-half results. This marks a modest increase from 62.7% in the first half of 2024. The state-owned rail operator said it aims to raise punctuality to between 65% and 70% by the end of the year. Despite ongoing issues with delays, passenger numbers rose to 943 million in the first half of 2025, reflecting continued demand for rail travel. The company also reported a reduced loss of €760 million for the period, nearly €1 billion less than in the same time last year. Revenue increased by 3.4% to €13.3 billion, although it still fell short of internal targets. CEO Richard Lutz emphasized the urgent need to modernize the country's aging rail infrastructure. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Lufthansa, Germany's flagship carrier, reported a 27% increase in second-quarter operating profit year-on-year, reaching €871 million ($995 million). It beat analysts' average forecast of 805 million euros. "Although the second quarter was again marked by geopolitical crises and economic uncertainties, we are today confirming our positive outlook for the full year," Chief Executive Carsten Spohr said in a statement. All airlines belonging to the Lufthansa group, including Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Ita Airways, reported profits in the period. A German delegation, led by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is headed to Israel and the occupied West Bank on Thursday for talks with representatives from the Israeli government and the UN. Wadephul said his "main goal is definitely a ceasefire," but also said something needs to be done "to ease the suffering of people" in Gaza. "The number of victims in the Gaza Strip is too high." Wadephul, from the center-right CDU, will be joined by a member of the Social Democrats (SPD) with whom they govern in a coalition. SPD deputy parliamentary group leader Siemtje Möller told public broadcaster ARD before the two-day trip that "real pressure" was needed to end the suffering in Gaza. Möller gave six aims that Germany has: large-scale humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, a ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, the disarmament of Hamas, peace negotiations, and an end to Israeli settlements in the West Bank that violate international law. Despite its commitment to a two-state solution, Germany has not joined the growing number of Western countries that have pledged to recognize Palestinian statehood in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel in Gaza. However, Möller suggested that Germany could consider recognizing a Palestinian state sooner than expected. "The recognition of a Palestinian state is not a taboo and doesn't necessarily have to come at the end of a [two-state] process," she said before the flight. A helicopter used by the German military that crashed into the Mulde River the town of Grimma in the eastern German state of Saxony, has been removed, the Air Force said. Two people were killed in the crash Tuesday, and one person remains missing. Divers have been scouring the river, while soldiers have combed the riverbanks in search of the missing crew member. The helicopter was flying at a low altitude when it went down near a bridge over the A14 motorway. The cause of the crash is under and the international sports community have reacted with shock to the news that Laura Dahlmeier has died in a mountaineering accidentin Pakistan. The two-time Olympic gold medal-winning German biathlete was confirmed dead on Wednesday, two days after being caught in a rockslide high in the mountains of northern Pakistan. The 31-year-old was swept away by falling rocks on Monday at an altitude of around 5,700 meters (18,700 feet) while ascending the 6,069-meter-high Laila Peak. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier offered his condolences to Dahlmeier's parents, writing that she "was an exceptional sportswoman." "Laura Dahlmeier was an ambassador for our country in the world, a role model for peaceful, cheerful and fair coexistence across borders," he said. International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry described the news as "deeply shocking for all of us in the Olympic Movement." "Laura made history at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics as the first female biathlete to win sprint and pursuit gold at the same Games edition. She will be remembered forever. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time," Coventry said. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) said, "throughout her career and following her retirement, Laura's drive to push beyond limits and embrace challenges touched and inspired countless lives around the world." The German Ski Federation DSV said they were "shocked and deeply saddened" to learn about Dahlmeier's death. "In Laura, the German Ski Federation has not only lost an outstanding athlete, but also a very special person. Her legacy will reach far beyond sport. We will honour her memory," the DSV said. Magdalena Neuer, who also won two Olympic golds and 12 world titles in biathlon, posted a photo of herself and Dahlmeier along with a heart emoji on Instagram. Gray skies and steady rain over Bonn this morning, . Germany is mourning the loss of Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier, who died in a climbing accident while ascending Laila Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier led tributes, calling her a role model and a national treasure. Rescue teams confirmed her death on Wednesday, but due to harsh weather conditions, they were unable to recover her body. In today's blog, we'll reflect on Dahlmeier's legacy and how she'll be remembered by fans, fellow athletes, and the wider public. Later this morning, we're expecting fresh data from Germany's statistics office: an early estimate of July's inflation. Analysts are predicting a slight slowdown in price growth, though not enough to bring real relief to consumers still grappling with high costs for food and services.
