Stories from Berlin · Germany

The CDU-CSU parliamentary group leadership is convening for a two-day closed-door meeting on Monday. Discussions are expected to cover Germany's current economic situation.

Russian intelligence services have successfully conducted phishing attacks against German Members of Parliament. Intelligence suggests that Russia is behind these cyber operations. CDU security politician Roderich Kiesewetter has called for the expulsion of Russian diplomats in response to the breach. Green Party security politician Konstantin von Notz described the attacks as a wake-up call for all security sectors. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that over 20 drones were detected across 15 locations during a large-scale Russian drone attack on the Odesa region. Social media reports confirm the scale of the drone attack on Odesa as of the morning of April 27, 2026. This follows previous drone attacks on energy substations. The strikes aim to impact electricity production and transport capabilities.

More than 2,600 applications for military service conscientious objection were filed in Germany during the first three months of 2026. While expansion is occurring, personnel levels in the east remain lower than in western Germany. Approximately 2,700 people in Germany filed applications to refuse military service during the first quarter of 2026. The increase follows a policy implemented at the start of the year requiring mandatory medical examinations for men born in 2008 to determine voluntary service eligibility. The Osnabrücker Zeitung reported these figures. The number of individuals refusing military service in Germany has risen to a few thousand. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense in Berlin stated this trend is not surprising, as many young people are engaging with the topic due to the new conscription model. The Bundeswehr remains calm about the situation.

German company Quantum has committed to producing up to 120,000 drones per year. This production agreement follows discussions between Merz and Zelenskyy. The move aims to address the lack of industrial-scale drone production within NATO. No other NATO companies are currently producing flying drones at such industrial scales.

Energy companies BP and Total Energies have slowed plans to expand wind power installations in the North Sea. The companies previously won bids for North Sea areas three years ago for 12 billion euros. Experts from the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems are investigating shading effects that reduce wind speed and energy yield. The companies initially offered high prices but are now hesitating on the expansion projects. The companies have purchased large areas for wind farms but are now pressing the brakes on development. This decision has drawn criticism from scientific communities and regulatory authorities. The German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has received requests from both companies to present studies regarding this shift. No specific date for a meeting between the ministry and the energy firms has been set.

CDU faction leaders are meeting in Berlin to address upcoming reforms in pension, health, care, and tax systems. Georg Schwarte noted that previous progress has been insufficient to meet current needs. The meeting also addresses public sentiment regarding the energy crisis and rising fuel costs. Faction leaders expect to relay these concerns to the Chancellor.

The Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag is experiencing low morale due to ongoing disputes with coalition partner SPD on central issues. Friedrich Merz has publicly stated that insufficient progress has been made to date.

Germany's defense spending increased by nearly 25 percent last year. Finance Minister Klingball reported new debt totaling nearly 107 billion euros, marking the second-highest value in German history. Total federal expenditures are projected to reach 544 billion euros in 2027. The Ministry of Labour's budget is set to exceed 200 billion euros for the first time. Additionally, the cabinet has initiated a planned reform of the statutory health insurance system to prevent rising contributions. The acquisition involves the merger of entities including 27 wagons. The deal follows the merger of Schindler, which remains one of the two largest elevator manufacturers globally. This decision follows budget planning involving nearly 120 billion euros. An Allianz study predicts rising air travel costs for the upcoming summer season.

The Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag is experiencing low morale due to ongoing disputes with coalition partner SPD on central issues. The session includes discussions on the relationship with coalition partner SPD and involves high-ranking figures like Katharina Reiche. Political scientist Albrecht von Lucke is scheduled to discuss the meeting on HR Info. The session follows recent debates regarding justice and social equity across Germany. The CDU party is pushing for a reduction in weekly working hours for civil servants from 41 to 40 hours. The Green Party has expressed opposition to this proposal due to financial concerns. Party leaders Öztemir and Hagel are expected to resolve remaining disputes regarding these results this week. This type of gathering has not occurred in this specific format for some time.

Professor Sina Bartfeldt from TU Berlin has demonstrated how intestinal organoids can predict patient reactions to specific medications. These simulated human models allow doctors to determine if a drug will be effective before administering it to a patient. The research utilizes stem cell technology to create these organoid structures for medical testing. This development aims to personalize treatment protocols based on the organoid's response. The process involves observing how the simulated tissue reacts to various pharmaceutical compounds.