Stories from Stuttgart · Germany

Stuttgart-based Bosch plans to expand beyond its core business by establishing 20 new companies by 2030. The strategy involves increasing joint ventures with experienced partners and involving external founders and investors early in the process. The company aims to leverage startup-style speed to foster innovation. This strategic shift comes as the automotive supplier faces a critical period.

Just over 5% of German households currently have smart meters installed. This adoption rate trails significantly behind France, Italy, and Scandinavian countries, where rates exceed 90%. The slow rollout is attributed to concerns regarding IT security. Without widespread smart meter usage, consumers cannot easily utilize negative electricity prices through dynamic tariffs. Only slightly more than 5% of households in Germany currently have a smart meter.

A survey by the German Foundation for Depression Relief and Suicide Prevention found that 69 percent of participants with a diagnosed depression have used chatbots to discuss mental health issues. The study included 2,500 volunteers aged between 16 and 39 years. The findings were reported by Ulrike Till.

Germany is considering a tightening of sexual offense laws to move from a 'no means no' principle to a 'only yes means yes' standard. This change aims to better protect individuals from sexual assault.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is a guest, with the economic situation in Germany playing a role. Growth, competitiveness, bureaucracy reduction, and energy security are points the Union parliamentary group leadership intends to discuss with von der Leyen. Chancellor Merz is expected for a discussion in the evening, focusing on the government's next reform steps. Parliamentary group leader Spahn is pushing for the cabinet to approve the planned austerity package for statutory health insurance and its key points as scheduled on Wednesday. Factions of the SPD in North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Bremen have criticized a lack of economic strategy.

Germany's Drug Commissioner, Streeck, is focusing on e-cigarettes and vapes to protect young people. While there is a positive trend of reduced smoking among youth, there is a counter-trend of increasing vape usage. The 'Rauchfrei' campaign in May aims to encourage more people to quit smoking cigarettes.

Germany's debt brake has proven effective even during crises, according to a report. The country's public debt remains strong compared to nations like France, Italy, and the United States. Making an exception to the debt brake a rule risks financial market confidence and burdens future generations.

A proposed accommodation tax in Germany, ranging between 2 and 5 Euros, is considered insufficient. The current accommodation tax in Germany is deemed insufficient to meet its intended financial goals.

An employer association has cautioned that raising the contribution assessment limit for health and long-term care insurance could lead to job losses. The association estimates that such an increase would result in nearly one billion euros in additional costs for employers and employees in the metal and electrical industries.

The dogs take on roles of participants in these simulations. A Golden Retriever is dressed as a judge, a German Shepherd as a prosecutor, and a Cocker Spaniel as a police officer. Children require strengthened self-confidence to be able to testify effectively in court cases, according to Shahida Oma. This is because prosecution in abuse cases relies on victim testimonies. Training also includes practicing court rules to teach children about their rights, not just their obligations. These animals are specifically trained to remain calm in high-stress environments. The initiative aims to provide a sense of security for children facing intimidating courtroom settings. President Shahida Oma stated the goal is to empower children to tell the truth while reassuring them that forgetting specific details or facts is acceptable.