German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces internal party pressure and quiet discussions of a potential chancellor swap from within the CDU ahead of high-stakes regional elections in September, where the far-right AfD is surging.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reading Pope Leo's encyclical 'Magnifica humanitas' on AI's ethical constraints during his holiday, reflecting his views on balancing AI's potential with job security concerns, amidst political challenges including a cabinet reshuffle and upcoming state elections.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz initiated a significant reshuffle of top CDU positions, appointing Nina Warken as chancellery chief, to combat historically low popularity and strengthen the party ahead of crucial regional elections where the far-right AfD poses a threat.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a cabinet reshuffle, appointing Carsten Linnemann as health minister and Nina Warken as chief of staff. This follows Jens Spahn's resignation over a surrogacy controversy and aims to address the government's low popularity and economic stagnation.
A cross-party delegation of Irish politicians urged Dublin to send observers to the trial of pro-Palestinian activists in Germany and raise concerns about Irish defendant Daniel Tatlow-Devally's detention conditions with the German chancellor during an upcoming visit.
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, largely unknown in Brussels, prepares for an EU-UK summit. He inherits a "reset agenda" aiming to ease trade barriers, link emissions systems, and establish a youth exchange, while navigating familiar Brexit dilemmas and his stated desire to rejoin the EU in his lifetime.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed energy cooperation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, while Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt presented an alarming report on rising child sexual abuse cases. Other top stories include Germany's bid for influence over tank maker KNDS, a deadly industrial accident linked to Danish waste, Caritas's warning on aid cuts, and Deutsche Bahn's planned alcohol ban.
Germany experienced a significant increase in registered child sexual abuse cases over the past five years, with 17,126 cases recorded in 2025 — a 4.7% rise from 2024. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the figures as highly alarming, emphasizing the need for better digital protection of children.
Andy Burnham, Britain's new prime minister, is largely unknown in Brussels but is set to lead an EU-UK summit this autumn, inheriting Keir Starmer's reset agenda. Key issues include trade barriers, a youth exchange scheme, and defence cooperation, with his Brexit stance creating both hope and caution.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged that the country's prolonged energy crisis stems from the loss of Russian gas supplies, impacting industry with soaring costs. Germany's economy contracted, and the EU plans to fully ban Russian gas by 2027, despite mounting pressure from fuel prices.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested a potential government reshuffle following Jens Spahn's resignation as CDU parliamentary leader. Spahn quit after revelations he had a child via surrogacy, banned in Germany, leading to hypocrisy accusations against the former health minister.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is promoting a "Reformkanzler" image to counter economic pessimism and the rise of the far-right AfD. Despite coalition agreements on pension, tax, and health reforms, voter satisfaction is at a historic low, with many deeming the measures incremental and insufficient.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a deal with the US to purchase and deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany. The move aims to bridge a strategic defense gap while Germany also works on developing its own European missile systems.
The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, scheduled for July 7-8, will be the shortest in at least 20 years. Key topics include military confrontation with Russia, increased aid for Ukraine, and bolstering NATO's own capabilities. Ukrainian President Zelensky will not speak at the summit to avoid disagreements with US President Trump.
A portrait of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, painted by Jérémie Queyras, was unveiled at Berlin's Bode-Museum. The artist and Merkel bonded over months of secret sittings, discussing art and life. The painting depicts Merkel with her characteristic unease and includes symbolic items from her office.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a coalition agreement to cut taxes for low- and middle-income earners and implement economic reforms to revive the stagnant economy. The plan includes tax increases for high earners and measures to boost Germany's export-oriented economy.
Germany's ruling coalition, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, announced a €10bn tax relief package and reforms to labor and pensions, aiming to boost the economy and counter the far-right AfD's rise. The measures require parliamentary approval.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced backlash for a social media post praising the national football team after their World Cup elimination. Critics called the reaction out of touch, while the Chancellor's office cited a communication error. The incident occurs amid low public approval for the government.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced intense criticism for a social media post praising the national soccer team's dedication after their early World Cup exit, which many Germans found tone-deaf. The Chancellor's Office attributed the post to a "coordination error," as Merz's popularity is already at an all-time low due to economic and infrastructure issues.
Germany's unexpected World Cup exit to Paraguay has intensified national frustration amid ongoing economic and social crises. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's attempts to frame the loss positively were met with widespread criticism, with many viewing the team's performance as a metaphor for the country's perceived decline.
Leaders like Rishi Sunak have used the argument that their country's small share of global emissions (e.g., UK's 1%) justifies delaying climate action. However, scientists argue this ignores historical emissions and per capita contributions, and that wealthy nations have a greater capacity to cut pollution.
Angela Merkel unveiled her official portrait for the Federal Chancellery gallery, eight years after leaving office. The painting, by young German-French artist Jeremie Queyras, will be the first of a woman in the collection and is set to be displayed at the Bode Museum before its permanent installation.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated China's currency is undervalued by 30%, far exceeding the IMF's estimate. He criticized Beijing's market flooding via subsidies and non-convertible currency, calling it unacceptable and a threat to European manufacturers.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine cannot become a full EU member while at war, suggesting associate membership instead. He proposed integrating Ukraine into EU military structures and extending defense mutual assistance provisions.
