Stories from Berlin · Germany

Lufthansa has announced the closure of its Berlin base and the removal of its aircraft from the city. The airline's CEO described the Berlin airport as the most unsuccessful in Europe. The move follows the company's decision to hedge 80% of its fuel needs in advance.

Germany has shifted its position to support a plan for independent European defense responsibilities. European nations are planning to accelerate the production of defense equipment for anti-missile warfare, space, and reconnaissance. Germany and the United Kingdom began joint development of stealth cruise missile technology in March. Analysts noted that European military industrial capacity remains insufficient and continues to rely on the United States for key technologies. European nations are attempting to accelerate a European NATO plan but face military industrial limitations. Analysts noted that Europe remains dependent on the United States for critical technology, equipment, and command structures. Key leadership positions within NATO are currently held by Americans, requiring a transition period for European officers to adapt.

German pensions will increase by over 4 percent starting July 1. The German government will implement a 2.4 percent increase in pensions starting in July. The current pension level target of 88 percent remains in effect until 2031. Labor Minister Baas stated that adequate pensions are a matter of performance justice for those who have worked hard throughout their lives. Interest payments in Germany are expected to increase significantly, reaching 42.7 billion euros next year. Projections suggest these payments will rise to 78 billion euros by 2030. The Institute of the German Economy calculated that nearly one in five tax euros will flow into interest payments by 2030. Reform proposals from the pension commission are expected in two months. Students receiving BAföG will see their monthly housing allowance increase by 60 euros to a total of 440 euros starting in the winter semester.

Berlin's governing mayor Kai Wegener announced that Culture Senator Stefan Evers will take over leadership of the capital's culture administration. The decision was made yesterday evening by a group of CDU district chairpersons. Two names were reportedly considered for the position: Stefan Evers and former Berlin Justice Senator Thomas Heilmann. The decision follows reports from the Berliner Zeitung regarding Evers being a candidate since Friday. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner announced that Kera Knightley, Luke Thompson, and Steven D. Lane will join the leadership of the city's cultural administration starting in October. The new leaders will fill the vacancy left by Wedel-Wilson's departure. Evers will lead both Senate administrations on a temporary basis until September 30. Evers has been a candidate for the Wedelholzen succession since Friday.

German prosecutors are pursuing a case involving a gang robbery where suspects allegedly stole 2.7 million euros to fund their lifestyles. Prosecutors are investigating a man accused of attempting to provide information to a Russian intelligence service regarding German industry. German prosecutors are targeting a 67-year-old individual in connection with robbery offenses committed between 1999 and 2016. Prosecutors are investigating a trio for allegedly robbing money transporters and supermarkets. German investigators are looking into a suspect accused of photographing military and strategic locations. The individual allegedly captured images of a military convoy on a highway, government buildings in Berlin, and vehicles used by politicians and security agencies. Investigators expressed surprise at the scale and diligence of the suspect's activities.

Michael Kellner, energy policy spokesperson for the Green Party in the Bundestag, expressed concerns regarding Chinese investment in critical infrastructure. The statement follows discussions regarding the potential acquisition of the Zippel logistics company by COSCO. Neither Zippel nor the Chinese Embassy in Berlin have responded to inquiries regarding current plans. COSCO stated they cannot comment on the matter at this time. Kellner described the current level of dependency as a bad idea in the current climate. The politician noted that the federal cabinet decides on such matters, citing the previous entry of KOSCO into the Tollerort port terminal as a precedent. The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution warned against the potential acquisition of logistics company Zippel by the Chinese state-owned enterprise KOSCO.

The highest level of forest fire danger, level 4, is currently in effect across multiple regions in Germany.

Solaria has secured 300 million euros in funding to support the development of data centers and battery technology.

The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection has stated that Meta failed to sufficiently implement age verification measures. Users can reportedly provide false age information during registration without difficulty. The company's actions violate EU directives regarding youth protection. Brussels has threatened the parent company with high fines and is pushing for a unified age verification app to ensure future compliance. The EU Commission reported that Meta's age verification on Instagram and Facebook is ineffective, noting the 13-year minimum age is only enforced on paper. The German broadcaster reported that Meta has not initiated sufficient risk assessments regarding users being confronted with inappropriate content. Andreas Meier-Feist noted that current user-reporting methods for child accounts are too cumbersome to be effective.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is planning a sugar tax on sweetened beverages starting in 2028 to relieve health insurance funds. The plan aims to address perceived inequities between taxpayers, civil servants, and private insurance holders. A federal government fuel discount takes effect at midnight, reducing energy taxes on gasoline and diesel by nearly 17 cents per liter for two months. Economic reporter Alex Drost noted that the impact on pump prices remains a question for gas stations. The policy comes as discussions continue regarding a modernization pact for public transport. The tax could be justified on public health and prevention grounds. Similar measures in Great Britain have reportedly yielded positive experiences. Germany is considering a tax reform that would provide relief to low and middle-income households, according to economic advisor Monika Schnitzer.