Stories from Hamburg · Germany

Katlin Krüger from FC Bayern has been appointed as the new sports director for HSV. The decision was reached during a club meeting on Tuesday evening. The move transitions her from a supporting role into a primary leadership position within the club. Sources from MDR Aktuell and hr-iNFO confirmed the transition. The report noted that the signing remains unofficial as of the broadcast. The position had previously been linked to several high-profile candidates including Stefan Reuter, Sebastian Kiel, and Dietmar Bayer Stoffer. The appointment follows the recent Champions League match between Paris and FC Bayern. The position had been vacant for four months following Kunz's departure. Sport manager Kathleen Krüger will move from FC Bayern to Hamburger SV this summer. She succeeds Stefan Kunz, whose departure from the club earlier this year was described as unexpected and difficult.

Five northern German states are calling for a fundamental restructuring of seaport financing. Local entrepreneurs in Hamburg have expressed dissatisfaction regarding this trend. Authorities may potentially prohibit certain business transactions if they are deemed a threat to security. The source noted that while Chinese companies have been buying into Europe for decades without complaint, there is now increased scrutiny at both the European Union and national levels. This shift is attributed to a changing perception of China's role in the region. The discussions involve coordination with the federal government to address specific financing requirements. Sebastian Jürgens, President of the Association of German Seaports, expressed dissatisfaction following a conference regarding port expansion.

St. Pauli fell to 17th place, the direct relegation spot, following a 2-1 defeat against Mainz. Mainz secured their top-flight status with the victory. Mönchengladbach also secured safety after a 1-0 win against Dortmund, featuring a late goal by Tabakovic. Union Berlin and Hamburger SV have also secured their positions in the league. The results were reported by sports editor Marcel Stober. The club has 26 points, the same as Wolfsburg, though Wolfsburg holds a superior goal difference. Fans expressed frustration during the match, with some whistling at halftime. Despite the loss, coach Blesin stated he still believes the club can avoid relegation. Pauli suffered a 1:2 home defeat against Mainz in Hamburg. Defender Hauke Wahl stated the team must work together to reverse the negative spiral. The club faces a difficult period ahead as they attempt to improve their standing.

The Authority for Justice and Consumer Protection reported that the number of unfinished proceedings decreased from 77,000 to 66,000 by the end of March. This reduction allowed for 28 positions to be newly filled. Out of a total of 231 prosecutor positions, seven remain vacant.

German inflation for goods and services fell to 2.9 percent in April compared to April 2025. This represents the lowest inflation rate in over two years. Energy and fuel prices were primary drivers, increasing by more than 10 percent compared to the same month last year.

The number of open criminal investigations in Germany fell by nearly 14 percent during the first three months of this year.

Finnish company Kone is set to acquire German rival TK Elevator in a deal valued at approximately $24 billion.

Hamburg is pushing for stricter rules regarding trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) within the Bundesrat. The city seeks to implement a higher minimum levy rate to determine the actual tax amount companies pay. This move aims to prevent companies from using large city infrastructure while registering their headquarters in municipalities with low levy rates to avoid taxes. Susanne Röse reported on the city's position. The Hamburg Senate intends to increase the minimum trade tax assessment rate to at least 300 percent. Currently, the lower limit is set at 200 percent. The German federal government has already decided to raise this minimum to 280 percent. Susanne Röse from Hamburg reported that businesses have been using lower rates in Schleswig-Holstein to save on taxes. The trade tax rate remains a factor for business locations.

Costco plans to acquire 80% of the shares in ZIPPL, a logistics company specializing in inland container transport and handling. The acquisition comes as the port of Hamburg has become a primary transshipment hub for Chinese goods, with one in three containers in Hamburg originating from China. Michael Kellner, the Green Party energy policy spokesperson in the Bundestag, expressed concerns regarding potential chain dependencies. Chinese shipping company Kosco is planning to acquire the logistics firm Zippel in Hamburg. The move follows Kosco's existing involvement in a terminal through Costco. The company is reportedly looking to make further investments in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. China remains the most trading partner for the Port of Hamburg. The acquisition follows Costco's established role as a major player in the port's operations.

An environmental authority reported that a wolf, which previously injured a woman in downtown Hamburg, is now located in the Lüneburg Heath. The authority has access to a transmitter attached to the animal.