Stories from Germany

BASF and other business representatives are criticizing the European Union's emissions trading system. BASF advocates for climate protection through market mechanisms rather than prohibitions. The report mentioned that CDU representatives, including Friedrich Merz, have previously supported the market-based approach. The Brussels-based think tank Strategic Perspectives reported that Heidelberg Materials' stock price collapsed within 24 hours alongside a drop in CO2 prices. Heidelberg Materials is a major cement manufacturer that has invested in low-CO2 production and recycling processes. The steel and cement industries are among the sectors affected by these developments. The company noted that while the ETS is a market-based and technology-neutral system, it faces scrutiny. The report contrasted these views with US President Trump's denial of climate change.

Lower Saxony Minister President Olaf Lies stated that closing Volkswagen plants in Europe is not an option. Lies sits on the Volkswagen supervisory board due to the state's stake in the company. The discussion follows restructuring efforts at the Emden, Zwickau, Hannover, and Neckar-Sulm plants. The Zwickau facility serves as the company's flagship electric vehicle plant, producing the ID.3 model. Tens of thousands of jobs are tied to these four locations. Discussions regarding the future of four Volkswagen plants in Germany are causing unrest within the company. A German minister has expressed opposition to the proposed plant closures. The workforce reportedly shows low willingness to accept further losses.

The indoor pool in Muehlheim im Kreis Offenbach is closed indefinitely due to growing cracks in the pool basin. Muehlheim Stadtwerke announced the closure on their website for safety reasons. Reporter Rainer Battefeld reported the development. The cause of the cracks has not been specified. The cracks are reportedly increasing in size.

Deutsche Bahn announced that the rail connection between Stendal and Magdeburg will be fully closed on Wednesday and Thursday. The closure is required to repair over one kilometer of incorrectly laid tracks near Zilit. Bus services will replace trains between Tangerhütte and Wörth am Harz during the closure. The track section requires immediate sanitation according to the railway operator.

Airlines are warning that flight cancellations may occur and ticket prices could increase due to rising costs. Lufthansa reported that it has already implemented price hikes. Condor CEO Peter Gerber noted customer uncertainty regarding these developments. Data from travel portal Kayak shows current flight prices are developing similarly to last year. Regional Caribbean airline RHIE announced it has started an orderly wind down of its operations effective immediately. RHIE expressed pride in its ultra low-cost model's impact over 34 years and hoped to serve customers for many more. Customers can expect refunds, but the airline will not assist in booking travel on other carriers. Rising gas prices are making air travel increasingly difficult for regular people. The cost of baggage alone is a factor in current airfare expenses.

Special forces were involved in a raid in Düsseldorf, according to the Ministry.

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is suspended for the upcoming match. Assistant coach Aaron Danks will lead the coaching staff in his absence. Sport director Max Eber expressed frustration regarding the suspension but stated the team must move forward. The coaching staff will manage the players on the pitch while Kompany observes from the sidelines. UEFA officials will monitor Kompany around the clock during the game to prevent any communication with co-trainers or staff. Sport chief Max Ebert described the situation as frustrating but noted it cannot be changed. Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany will be monitored by UEFA employees throughout his team's match against Paris Saint-Germain. The supervision is due to a ban intended to prevent communication with co-trainers or other staff members.

The Misshunde 3 ferry between Misshunde and Brodersbüh is scheduled to begin operations tomorrow. This follows a two-year delay, according to the State Coastal Protection Agency. The Misshunde 3 ferry has received a preliminary certificate to resume operations on the Schlei after a two-year delay. The vessel required extensive modifications because the initial new build could not withstand local wind conditions. The Landesbetrieb für Küstenschutz reported that the preliminary certificate is valid until the end of August. All defects identified by the ship investigation commission in mid-April must be resolved before a final certificate is issued. Vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tons are currently prohibited from using the ferry. For safety reasons, the vessel must be operated by two ferrymen to gain experience for future heavy vehicle use.

A bridge in Hamburg is described as one of the city's most dilapidated structures. Heavy transport vehicles are prohibited from crossing the bridge starting this Friday. The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce is holding a crisis meeting today to address concerns from the local transport industry. Freight forwarders are attempting to use the Kühlbrand crossing before the restrictions take effect. Participants will discuss establishing alternative routes suitable for heavy loads. Some business owners have expressed doubt regarding whether the bridge can remain functional until 2040. Logistics companies must identify alternative routes to manage the disruption. The bridge, which serves as the shortest route for heavy transport vehicles to container terminals, is scheduled to close this Friday.

The messaging service Signal announced it will improve its security measures following a hacker attack on German Bundestag politicians. The provider stated that its own software was not hacked during the incident. Investigators are looking into whether military transports were involved in the breach. The messaging app Signal plans to introduce additional security measures in the coming weeks following phishing attacks targeting politicians, military personnel, and journalists in Germany. Instead, attackers reportedly deceived users through messages to obtain data. The company did not provide specific details regarding the upcoming changes.