Stories from Berlin · Germany

The non-governmental organization Foodwatch has called for the regulation of sugary drinks. Luise Molling from Foodwatch stated this from their Berlin office. TAMIM and Sajat, brothers born in Afghanistan, develop software solutions for companies, including travel expense management, accounting, and process optimization.

German authorities are currently debating the use of Palantir software in law enforcement operations.

DLF Kultur in Berlin compared the Goethe-Institut to the Institute for Foreign Relations, noting the latter is significantly smaller.

A new director for the Goethe-Institut has an impressive international background, including establishing the institute in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. She also holds a master's degree in Korean from South Korea and previously led the Institute for Foreign Relations (IFA).

The Goethe-Institut is highlighted as a organization for Germany, actively promoting its language and culture in over 100 countries. It functions as a dialogue platform, fostering understanding and exchange, and presenting an image of Germany associated with freedom and openness. The institute's work is seen as for international relations and cultural diplomacy. A new director has been appointed with extensive experience in building the institute's presence abroad.

The German Bundeswehr requires more soldiers and has initiated a questionnaire campaign for all young people at the start of the year to gauge interest in military service. Previous surveys suggest most young people are not inclined towards service. Since this year, young adults are receiving letters from the Bundeswehr upon reaching adulthood to inquire about their willingness to serve. While this is mandatory for young men, it is voluntary for young women.

A court ruling from Koblenz may provide the EU Commission with grounds to initiate infringement proceedings against Germany. This potential action stems from Germany's continued border controls, which may persist beyond September. The EU Commission could take action if controls are still in place after the current September deadline.

Christian Drosten, a virologist and director at Berlin's Charité hospital, stated that the term 'pandemic of the unvaccinated' is inaccurate. He argued that the pandemic affects everyone, not just those unvaccinated. Drosten noted that unvaccinated individuals were significantly overrepresented in intensive care units, but said that vaccines do not prevent transmission.

Torrey Ames has written a story that required courage to produce. The narrative is described as a wild road trip that offers musical surprises. The story's development is linked to events in the United States.

Europe has identified Russia and China as adversaries, with the US also being considered. The EU has begun working on the possibility of applying a treaty similar to Article 5 of the NATO treaty. This is currently being reflected in German doctrine, which now lists Russia as a threat. European nations are reportedly considering a new defense treaty. This potential treaty is being discussed as being similar in nature to NATO's Article 5, which mandates collective defense. The discussions are taking place in Berlin.