Latest news with #ZDF
DW
3 hours ago
- Politics
- DW
German government denies rift over Israel's conduct in Gaza – DW – 07/23/2025
The German chancellery insists that the ruling coalition is united in its stance on Israel's actions in Gaza despite differing views. A split appeared after Germany refused to add its name to a 28-country declaration. German Chancellery Minister Thorsten Frei on Wednesday dismissed concerns of a rift within Germany's coalition government over its position on Israel. A split emerged after Germany opted not to join dozens of Western countries in signing a condemnation of the "inhumane killing" of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Frei, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's top aid, said the coalition was united in its aims regarding Gaza, even if there were divisions over how Germany could achieve them. "There's not even a sheet of paper between the partners," Frei told German broadcaster ZDF. "Of course, you can have different views about the form and the path to a shared goal." On Tuesday, leading figures in the Social Democrats (SPD), the junior coalition partner to Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU), urged the government to join a joint declaration signed by 28 states, including France, Italy and the UK, as well as the European Commission, the European Union's executive branch. It called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and condemned Israel's actions. Germany has so far declined to sign on to the declaration. However, Frei defended the government's stance, saying the declaration lacked clarity in its sequencing of events. "It must be made clear that the starting point of this war was Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, and that Hamas continues to hold hostages," he said. He added that Germany maintains "many channels of contact" with the Israeli government. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Frei emphasized that "the humanitarian situation in Gaza must change," and while Israel has the right to self-defense, protecting civilians is "a legal imperative under international law." Matthias Miersch, the SPD's parliamentary leader, praised the signatory states, including Germany's "closest partners such as France, Canada and Austria," for sending "a clear signal." The countries involved condemned what they called the "drip feeding of aid" to Palestinians in Gaza and said it was "horrifying" that more than 800 civilians had been killed while seeking food and water. "If international law is systematically violated, there must be consequences," Miersch wrote on the platform X. "Germany should join the UK's initiative and not opt out here." "Starving children, destroyed infrastructure, attacks on people seeking help: That goes against everything that international humanitarian law protects," the senior SPD politician said. Reem Alabali-Radovan, Germany's international development minister and an SPD member, said Tuesday she was disappointed by the decision. "The demands in the letter from the 29 partners to the Israeli government are understandable to me. I would have wished for Germany to join the signal sent by the 29 partners," she said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video SPD foreign policy spokesperson Adis Ahmetovic and rapporteur for the Middle East Rolf Mützenich, both senior lawmakers within the party, also called on Germany to join the declaration. They stressed in a joint statement that "the situation in Gaza is catastrophic and represents a humanitarian abyss." German officials have said their stance on Israel is shaped by a unique responsibility, the Staatsraison (reason of state), rooted in the country's Nazi-era history and the Holocaust. They argued they can accomplish more through private diplomatic channels than with public declarations. Merz has said the European Council, the heads of state or government of the European Union, had already issued a joint declaration "practically identical in content to what is expressed in the letter" now circulating. He pointed to the Council's June statement, which deplored the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but was less emotional and bluntly critical of Israel and did not condemn its planned relocation of Palestinians to a so-called "humanitarian city" unveiled earlier this month. "I was one of the first to say very clearly, even in Germany, that the situation there is no longer acceptable," Merz said, pushing back on claims of any split. On Monday, he said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, telling him "very clearly and very explicitly that we do not share the Israeli government's policy on Gaza." "The way the Israeli army is operating there is not acceptable," Merz said. Fractures within the ruling coalition, only in power since May, were already exposed over a dispute about the appointment of a Constitutional Court judge.
Russia Today
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
German president calls for universal military conscription
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged a nationwide debate about reinstating military conscription, stressing that Berlin needs to strengthen its armed forces amid what he described as escalating security threats in Europe. Compulsory military service was suspended in Germany in 2011. Although inactive, the legal framework for a draft remains intact and can be reactivated by a simple parliamentary majority. A full-scale return, including women, however, would require changes to the constitution. Speaking to ZDF on Sunday, Steinmeier said Germany must prepare for the possibility that voluntary enlistment will fall short of staffing requirements for the army. 'I am an advocate of conscription because I believe that with the changing security situation in Europe, with the fact that a war is taking place, and with the conclusions we have drawn from it to better protect ourselves, the personnel equipment of the Bundeswehr also needs to be adapted,' he said. He expressed support for Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' proposal to expand troop numbers and create a backup draft system. The plan aims for around 5,000 volunteer recruits annually, rising to 30,000 by 2029. Legislation which is being prepared for cabinet review in August with possible enactment by early 2026 includes provisions to automatically reintroduce conscription if volunteer numbers fall short. 'We need this debate now, preferably with a positive outcome, so that if there are not enough volunteers, we will probably return to a different form of conscription than the one we have already abolished,' Steinmeier said. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Germany has been working to strengthen its military, citing what it sees as a security threat from Russia. Moscow has rejected claims that it plans to attack NATO nations, dismissing them as 'nonsense' and accusing Western leaders of intentionally alarming their citizens to justify increased defense budgets.
Qatar Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
German president backs compulsory military service amid defence push
BerlincTypeface:> German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has spoken out in favour of introducing a new form of compulsory military service to boost the country's armed forces. Germany suspended conscription in 2011 but it remains enshrined in Germany's de facto constitution, the Basic Law, and can be reintroduced with a simple majority in parliament. A debate on conscription is now necessary, Steinmeier told the ZDF public broadcaster in an interview set to air on Sunday evening. 'I am in favour of compulsory military service,' the president reiterated. He justified his position with Europe's changing security situation, Russia's war in Ukraine and the US administration's attitude towards trans-Atlantic relations. (DPA)
Local Germany
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Local Germany
How you can watch women's Euro 2025 tournament on German TV
After an extra time loss to England in 2022, the German women's team will once again vie for the UEFA Women's EURO title. The 2025 Women's EURO will take place in eight cities across Switzerland from July 2nd to 27th, with 16 national teams competing for the title. Germany is among the favourites. Germany has won the Women's European championship eight times – more than any other team. This year, the women's team hopes to add a ninth title. Germany's first match of the tournament is against Poland and will take place on July 4th at 9pm in St. Gallen. The women's team will also take on Denmark and Sweden in the group stage. How to watch matches on German TV Broadcasters ARD and ZDF will carry the 2025 Women's EURO matches for viewers in Germany. Fans can watch matches on the channels Das Erste and Sportstudio, according to the UEFA website . One classic way to watch matches in Germany is to find a 'public viewing' near you. These large outdoor screenings often take place in parks or town squares and offer a great way to cheer on your team alongside other fans. Advertisement You can find a list of public screenings taking place in Berlin here . If you don't live in Berlin, there's a good chance your local pub or sports bar will be showing the matches too. Germany's group stage schedule Friday 4 July: Germany vs Poland (21:00 on Das Erste, St. Gallen) Tuesday 8 July: Germany vs Denmark (18:00 on Das Erste, Basel) Saturday 12 July: Sweden vs Germany (21:00 on sportstudio live, Zurich) England's group stage schedule Saturday 5 July: France vs England (21:00 on sportstudio live, Zurich) Wednesday 9 July: England vs Netherlands (18:00 on sportstudio live, Zurich) Sunday 13 July: England vs Wales (21:00 on Das Erste, Quarter-finals will take place from July 16-19, with semi-finals to follow on July 22nd and 23rd. The final is set for July 27th at 18:00 in Basel.
Business Wire
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Minna Bank's Full Cloud-Based Banking System to be Provided Externally for the First Time to MUFG Bank
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Minna Bank announced that the full cloud-based banking system developed and operated by Zerobank Design Factory (ZDF), a subsidiary of Fukuoka Financial Group, in collaboration with Accenture and operating on Google Cloud, has been selected as the core system for the newly established digital bank by MUFG Bank. Minna Bank announced that the full cloud-based banking system developed and operated by Zerobank Design Factory has been selected as the core system for the newly established digital bank by MUFG Bank. Share In 2022, ZDF announced its plans to offer the system to both local and global financial institutions, as well as non-financial entities seeking to launch banking services. This marks the first instance of ZDF extending the system to external organizations. Looking ahead, ZDF aims to address the challenges faced by companies entering the banking industry and other sectors through the provision of the system, thereby contributing to the growth and innovation of the digital banking market both domestically and globally. Japan's First Digital Bank | Minna Bank Case Study | Accenture * Google Cloud is a trademark of Google LLC. Masashi Nakano, Senior Managing Director, Lead, Financial Services, Asia Pacific and Japan, Accenture In Japanese banks, the need for increased management speed has highlighted key challenges with the inefficiency and high costs of existing core systems. One effective solution to address this is the adoption of a cloud-based and microservice platform bank system. This system incorporates numerous advanced technologies, including multi-cloud, microservice architecture and DevSecOps. Designed to enhance new banking systems, this solution significantly contributes to the growth of services, accelerates deployment speed, and improves operational efficiency. This innovative system with its modular design and capability for partial integration with existing systems offers versatile applications for banks, non-bank financial institutions, and non-financial entities both domestically and globally. Accenture will continue to collaborate with financial institutions to address management challenges and contribute to their growth. Toby Brown, Global Managing Director, Regulated Industries, Google Cloud Our collaboration with Minna Bank reinforces that cloud-based technology can deliver flexibility, speed, and reliability for core systems within global banks. Minna Bank's use of Google Cloud's advanced technologies -- like Google Kubernetes Engine for elastic scale, Spanner for global data consistency, and Vertex AI for intelligent insights -- is a blueprint for accelerating digital transformation far beyond banking, enabling industries from retail to mobility to seamlessly embed financial services and create new value for their customers. Kenichi Nagayoshi, President and CEO, ZDF and Minna Bank Launched in May 2021 as Japan's first digital bank, Minna Bank now serves 1.3 million accounts and many customers nationwide. Minna Bank has been advancing three businesses: the B2C business providing financial services to individuals, the B2B2X business offering financial functions and services to partner companies via API, and the banking system provision business. Since its inception, the bank has accumulated and updated its technologies and expertise related to systems, functionalities, and design required for a digital bank. As a result, we believe that the recent first external provision of our system marks a valuable milestone. Moving forward, we hope to contribute, even if just a little, to the development of the digital banking market both domestically and internationally through the provision of this system. About Minna Bank Minna Bank, Ltd. is Japan's first digital bank which commenced commercial operations on May 28, 2021. Minna Bank means 'a bank for everyone' in Japanese. Its mission is to 'Deliver valuable connections to everyone.' Minna Bank strives to become a pioneer in the financial services industry, creating and connecting ecosystems including consumer and business customers and various communities. Minna Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fukuoka Financial Group. About Zerobank Design Factory (ZDF) ZDF is the system development company who builds Minna Bank's core system, and the first developer in Japan to build the core banking system on a public cloud. ZDF is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fukuoka Financial Group. About Fukuoka Financial Group Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc. (FFG, TOKYO:8354), established in 2007, is Japan's largest regional financial group. FFG has a wide network covering the entire Kyushu region. FFG is actively pursuing a Digital Transformation (DX) strategy, and established Minna Bank, Japan's first digital bank architected from the ground up.
