Politics
All the latest politics news and essential information from Germany.
Are government language tests in Europe integration policy or just political posturing?
With governments across Europe tightening citizenship and residency requirements, language and country knowledge tests are often framed as measures of integration. But are governments really talking to domestic political audiences?
Giant wind turbine rises in Brandenburg, taking on far-right headwinds
A wind turbine billed as the world's tallest is rising in eastern Germany, winning praise as a beacon for a clean, green energy future and headwinds from the far-right AfD party.
Will passengers really benefit after Germany cut its air travel tax?
Germany is moving to lower air travel taxes from July of this year. The move could trim a few euros off ticket prices, but will travellers actually notice the difference?
'Welcome culture to farewell culture': The AfD's plans for Saxony-Anhalt
In about four months, Germans in Saxony Anhalt will vote in a state election that could see the far-right AfD party take power. What would the party's proposed policies mean for the foreign residents who live there?
Relief for low earners: What we know so far about Germany's tax shake-up
The coalition is planning a major tax overhaul next year, with the aim of providing relief to those with low and middle incomes. What does this look like and how will it be paid for? Here's what we know so far.
EU agrees to implement US trade pact after Trump threats
EU lawmakers and member states reached a deal in the early hours of Wednesday to implement the bloc's nearly year-old trade pact with the United States, with President Donald Trump threatening new tariffs unless it is done by July 4th.
How much do members of Germany's Bundestag really earn?
As German politicians consider scrapping a planned pay rise for themselves, we look at how much MPs in the country actually earn – and what they get on top.
Germany set to miss 2030 climate goal
Germany is set to miss its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target, experts warned Monday, urging Berlin to swiftly overhaul a recently unveiled climate action plan.
Germany's Merz wouldn't advise young people to move to US
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday he would not advise young people in his country to move to the United States for study or work, in the latest sign of cooling ties between Berlin and Washington.
Germany backtracks on cuts to integration courses for foreigners
The German government is reopening some access to free integration courses for immigrants after it was criticised for slashing the programme earlier this year. However far fewer places will be available, and who qualifies will depend on strict quotas.
German Chancellor Merz calls for more investment, less subsidies in EU budget
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the European Union on Thursday to reform its budget to include more investments and reduce subsidies, but rejected any joint borrowing by EU nations to do so.
German trade unions give Merz's reform push a frosty reception
Trade union leaders gave German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's reform agenda a hostile reception on Tuesday, with hecklers shouting down Merz's pitch for a pension overhaul and other measures.
Far-right AfD wins first ever mayoral election in Brandenburg
In Zehdenick, a small town near Berlin, nearly 60 percent of voters backed the Alternative for Germany party’s candidate.
Berlin sceptical as Putin floats ex-German chancellor as Ukraine mediator
After Putin said that the war in Ukraine is 'heading toward an end', he added that he'd like a long-gone German ex-chancellor to mediate the peace talks.
'Wanke nicht, mein Vaterland': Germany's state anthems explained
From next year, students will have to listen to at least two anthems at graduation ceremonies in Bavaria. The new rule shines a spotlight on Germany’s regional anthems – where history, identity and the occasional awkward lyric meet.
Environmental group challenges Germany's climate plan in court
An environmental advocacy group is taking the German government back to court over "inadequate" climate action plans, the group announced Thursday.
US threatens to scrap EU visa waivers over data sharing demands
The US has given the European Union an ultimatum - grant access to sensitive police data or else lose access to visa-free travel for EU citizens.
Merz faces mounting doubts as he marks one year as German leader
Low approval ratings, an uneasy coalition and growing frustration among voters are clouding Friedrich Merz’s first anniversary as Germany’s chancellor.
What is Germany's 'migration turnaround' actually achieving?
With net immigration to Germany falling, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt says his tough approach has delivered results. But others say that migration has slowed for other reasons, and warn that his tactics are creating new problems.
A year into Merz government, German far right stronger than ever
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office a year ago vowing to revive the political centre, but the far-right AfD party has risen to the top of the polls while his own coalition's popularity is falling.
How many US troops serve in Germany and what happens if they go
The US is set to cut thousands of troops from Germany, with Donald Trump warning that more reductions may follow. We look at who the American forces here are, what they do and what could happen next.
Germany's Merz says not 'giving up on working with Donald Trump'
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Sunday he would not give up on working with US President Donald Trump, despite a spat between the leaders over the war in Iran.
Germany's federal cabinet approves health reform package
The federal cabinet has approved sweeping health reforms aimed at saving billions. From higher medication costs to changes for families and a new sugar tax, the impact for German residents could be significant.