Stories from Berlin · Germany

German boys are falling behind girls in STEM fields, including mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, and technology. The report notes that boys show less interest in learning and reading compared to girls and are often less organized.

The Chancenmonitor 2026 report suggests extending common primary school duration and delaying the separation of students into Gymnasium, Realschule, and Mittelschule. The report also recommends free tutoring programs and an increased focus on boys.

The Chancenmonitor 2026 report was presented in Berlin today in the presence of German Federal Minister of Education Karin Künzel. The study concludes that parental education levels have the greatest impact on a child's school career.

Leaders of the Union parliamentary group concluded a meeting early Monday afternoon to discuss solutions for the country. Union group leader Spahn stated that upcoming reform decisions are necessary despite being uncomfortable.

Germany has provided police with the authority to limit the operation of mobile networks and GPS services. Federal Economy Minister Reiche stated that these 'electricity highways' will be built as overhead lines to provide long-term relief for customers by lowering grid fees. This decision reverses a 2024 commitment by the coalition government to lay large power lines from northern to southern Germany exclusively underground. Lower Saxony, a transit state for electricity, had previously confirmed the underground-only approach a year ago. The proposal includes allowing the use of artificial intelligence to process data. Additionally, investigators may be permitted to compare photos found on the internet. The German federal cabinet is considering a draft law to allow air travelers to complete the entire check-in process digitally.

The German Bundestag has approved a new plan focused on drone defense. The federal government will invest 100 million euros in modern drone defense systems in the short term. This funding includes the creation of a new police unit consisting of more than 130 personnel. These officers will be responsible for the detection and interception of drones. The unit will have the capability to be redeployed across different regions as needed. The identity of those conducting unauthorized flights remains unknown, and Moscow has denied involvement. The Kremlin has denied involvement in recent drone flights over Europe, though Vladimir Putin has made comments regarding the situation. The specific purpose of the unit was not detailed in the report.

Electric car manufacturers in Germany are facing potential economic challenges due to increasing competition from Chinese automakers. Electric vehicle manufacturers in Germany expressed concerns regarding potential economic disaster caused by competition from Chinese companies.

Living costs in Germany are expected to rise further in the coming weeks. Analysts suggest that increasing transport costs will lead to higher prices for supermarket goods. Companies are expected to pass on the increased costs of kerosene and gasoline to consumers.

BASF CEO Markus Kammit and Evonik executive Christian Kullmann have criticized the current emissions trading system. Kullmann specifically called for the abolition of the system, according to the report.

Germany's birth rate fell by 3.4% in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline according to preliminary data from the Federal Statistical Office. Preliminary statistics from the Federal Statistical Office show births were 352,000 fewer than deaths in 2025, the largest deficit since WWII. This represents the largest population deficit in Germany since World War II. The 2025 birth rate fell 3.4% year-on-year to approximately 654,300, resulting in a deficit of 352,000 people compared to deaths.