Stories from Germany

The United States will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany within the next 6-12 months, according to a Reuters report citing an order from Pentagon chief Peter Heckett. This action is presented as a rebuke to a close NATO ally.

Germany received approximately 6,100 initial asylum applications in April, the lowest number in years. Tomorrow will be partly cloudy with sunny spells and isolated showers, with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. This represents a decrease of nearly 3,000 applications compared to the previous year and over 800 fewer than in March. Germany has seen a decrease in asylum applications, falling from 350,000 in 2023 to 250,000 in the following year, and 170,000 in the past year. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the government was able to quickly implement a change in migration policy. Asylum application numbers in Germany have decreased from 350,000 in 2023 to 250,000 in 2024. This trend was reported by multiple German news outlets. The data indicates a drop in the annual volume of asylum seekers. Multiple German broadcasters reported this decline in figures.

Hamburg's Senator for Culture, Carsten Brosda, stated that the arts do not need to defend democracy, as this is a societal responsibility. He said that defending democracy is a task for society as a whole.

The hunt for wolves will remain banned in Thuringia for the foreseeable future. The Ministry of Environment plans to present the ordinance to the state parliament this year. The wolf population in the state must reach a favorable conservation status, meaning it is viable with no decrease in its distribution area or available habitat. Thuringia currently estimates around 30 wolves in six territories, shared with Brandenburg. In Thuringia, Germany, a specific exception allows for the targeted removal of a wolf at any time if it is deemed a 'problem wolf'. Environmental Minister Thilo Kummer of the BSH stated that two criteria define a problem wolf: one is if the wolf exhibits very unusual behavior towards humans, approaching them closely. One criterion is a wolf showing very noticeable behavior towards people.

The withdrawal of US troops from Germany is expected to be completed within 6 to 20 months. This move is part of a review of the US troop presence in Europe and is based on current military requirements.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany. The withdrawal is part of a broader military repositioning strategy. President Trump has rejected a new proposal that requires Congressional authorization for troop withdrawals.

The former home of Leipzig artist Max Klinger in Großjena, near Naumburg, has become a museum. Klinger, a painter, graphic artist, and sculptor, purchased a vineyard and built a house there, where he died in 1920. His heirs transferred the vineyard, the two houses, parts of the inventory, and artistic and personal estate to the city of Naumburg. The museum is based on Klinger's legacy and estate. The special exhibition features letters, photographs, paintings, and drawings.

A week-long test evaluated nasal filters, a necklace-worn air purifier, and a large air filter for bedrooms to alleviate pollen allergy symptoms. Allergist Marie Tschech participated in the test, noting initial relief from some devices but experiencing nasal congestion and throat irritation. The air filter's noise was disruptive to sleep, and the necklace purifier was ineffective, causing a runny nose. Tschech also reported throat pain, possibly due to wind from the air filter. A week-long test of various devices found only an infrared device to be convincing. The device uses infrared light pulses.

The Pentagon is withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, marking a shift in US policy. US law requires Congress to approve any military action lasting more than 60 days. US military repositioning is creating friction within NATO. A Pentagon spokesperson stated the move is expected to be completed within 6 to 12 months. The US currently has over 36,000 troops stationed in Germany. This decision was reportedly made within days of the president speculating about a review. The backdrop to this withdrawal is a spat between the German chancellor and the US administration. Approximately 86,000 US soldiers are currently stationed in Europe, with around 39,000 in Germany. President Donald Trump will withdraw 15,000 US soldiers from bases in Germany, according to senior Pentagon officials cited by local media.

Authorities are investigating an incident in Cologne where a carcass was placed on a crescent moon symbol attached to a wall.