
BioNTech will close three sites in Germany after failing to find buyers, affecting around 1,800 employees, as part of a restructuring driven by falling COVID-19 vaccine demand and a shift toward oncology, with expected annual savings of €500 million.
AI-generated summary
BioNTech rose to global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic after developing an mRNA vaccine with Pfizer. Demand for COVID vaccines has since fallen sharply, leaving the company with excess manufacturing capacity.
Timothy Jones dpa, Reuters, AP, AFP, epd, KNA
Published 09/28/2026Published September 28, 2026
COVID-19 vaccine maker BioNTech is to close three sites in Germany after efforts to find buyers failed. Meanwhile, Rhine water levels have fallen to record lows after an unusually dry September. DW has more.
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What you need to know
COVID-19 vaccine maker BioNTech is to close three sites in Germany after efforts to find buyers failed
Rhine River water levels have fallen to record lows after an unusually dry September
Germany marks 75 years of its Constitutional Court, with President Steinmeier warning of threats to liberal democracy
Here is a roundup of the latest headlines from and about Germany on Monday, September 28, 2026:
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
BioNTech will complete the closure of its three German sites by the end of 2027.
Likely · Within months
The restructuring will enable BioNTech to advance at least two oncology candidates to clinical trials by 2028.
Possible · Within years

U.S. Treasury yields climbed on Monday, with the 10-year note reaching 5.219%, as investors reacted to rising oil prices and persistent inflation fears. Global government bond yields also trended upward, reflecting ongoing market volatility.

Global diesel prices are surging due to refinery disruptions in Russia and the Middle East, straining the economy. With US export bans under consideration and Europe's high reliance on diesel, experts warn of further price volatility as winter demand approaches.

Rising diesel prices are straining the global economy as refinery disruptions in Russia and the Middle East limit supply. With the US considering export bans and Europe facing structural dependence on diesel, experts warn of further inflationary pressure and supply shocks.

President Donald Trump is considering a potential 90-day U.S. diesel export ban to address record-high fuel prices ahead of November midterm elections. The proposal faces significant pushback from the energy industry and warnings of global market instability.

Global diesel prices are surging due to refining capacity constraints, Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, and potential US export restrictions, posing severe economic risks to Europe and driving inflation.

The Cato Corporation plans to close 120 stores across dozens of states by the end of the fiscal year due to high inflation, fuel costs, and pressure on customer discretionary income.