Germany and US agree to boost arms projects cooperation; Chancellor Merz cancels UN trip amid party infighting
Quick Look
- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and US counterpart Pete Hegseth signed a declaration of intent to boost cooperation on arms projects, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a planned UN General Assembly trip due to internal party pressure following poor CDU performances in state elections.
- Other developments include solidarity pledges to Jewish communities after death threats, malaria cases near Frankfurt Airport, and legal actions against suspected terror group members and AfD-related controversies.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Germany's ruling CDU party has faced declining support in recent state elections, particularly to the far-right AfD, raising questions about Chancellor Friedrich Merz's leadership. Meanwhile, Germany continues to deepen defense ties with the United States amid ongoing concerns about Russian military activity and NATO readiness.
Germany's chancellor nixxed his trip over doubts about his leadership after party losses to the AfD in state elections. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Pistorius is in Washington for talks with his US counterpart. Follow DW.
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Skip next section What you need to know
What you need to know
Sources say Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a planned trip to the UN General Assembly
Germany and US agree to deal to boost cooperation on new arms projects
Police have found a large depot of firearms and ammunition in Rhineland-Palatinate
A Berlin woman is facing charges of supporting the 'Islamic State' terror group
Here is a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on Tuesday, September 15, 2026:
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The CDU will face continued pressure to replace Friedrich Merz as leader if state election performances do not improve.
Likely · Within weeks
Germany and the United States will announce specific joint arms development projects within the next few months.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Will the CDU recover its support in upcoming state elections?
- How will the AfD's growing influence affect German domestic and foreign policy?
- What specific arms projects will emerge from the Germany-US declaration of intent?
- Will the suspected terrorists affiliated with Brigade N'Hamedu Germany be convicted?
