ifo Business Climate Index: Travel Providers Report Weaker Demand
The German travel industry is facing weaker demand due to a kerosene shortage and rising inflation, as reported by Zeit.
Month 13. May 2026
EU plans unified ticket booking for cross-border train travel
The European Commission has introduced new rules aimed at enabling a unified ticket booking system for train travel across Europe by the end of the decade.
Russia Continues Drone Attacks on Ukraine – At Least Six Dead
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia deployed at least 800 drones against Ukraine on May 13, targeting regions near NATO borders.
Regensburg Mayor Wolbergs Sentenced to Prison
Joachim Wolbergs, former mayor of Regensburg, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for accepting benefits.
EU simplifies cross-border train travel with new ticket system
The European Commission has proposed a new ticketing system to streamline train travel across the EU, allowing travelers to purchase tickets from multiple rail companies in a single booking process.
Heating Law: Federal Government Reforms Building Energy Law
The Federal Government has passed a reform of the heating law that delays the gradual replacement of oil and gas boilers, allowing homeowners more choice.
Lavrov: Peace Process in Ukraine Stalled
Russian Foreign Sergei Lavrov stated in Bucharest that the peace process to end the war in Ukraine is at a standstill. He also commented on the lack of progress in US-Russia relations.
Education Policy Emphasizes Evidence-Based Approaches During War
Ukraine is implementing an evidence-based approach in its national education policy to mitigate learning losses caused by the war.
Tui feels the impact of the Iran war – travelers hesitate
The travel company Tui reports a change in travel behavior due to the Iran war, with many vacationers booking last minute and favoring destinations in the western Mediterranean.
Siemens Reports Billion-Euro Profits Despite Decline in Earnings
Siemens experienced an 8 percent drop in profits in the second quarter, yet maintained stable revenue and increased order intake.
Wiesbaden: WWII Bomb Found Near US Base – Train Line and A66 Closed
A 500-kilogram unexploded bomb from World War II was discovered in Wiesbaden, prompting extensive evacuations.
Tickets for S-Bahn and regional trains soon available via Google Maps
Deutsche Bahn and Google have announced a partnership that simplifies ticket purchasing for regional trains and S-Bahn services. Starting now, passengers can buy their tickets directly through Google Maps.
Russia’s War of Aggression: Ukraine Fends Pipeline Attacks
Despite a nominal ceasefire, Russia continues its war against Ukraine. According to Kyivpost, the 71st Brigade successfully repelled an attack on a pipeline near Yablunivka.
Dussmann Group Reports Record Revenue and Continues to Grow
The Dussmann Group increased its revenue by 3.8 percent to 3.4 billion euros in 2025, showcasing its resilience in challenging times.
Warken defends billion-euro savings as a necessary burden
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken defended her planned savings to relieve statutory health insurance on Tuesday in Hanover, calling the measures a necessary burden to prevent system collapse.
Cultural Department Store Dussmann Opens Branch in KaDeWe
The Cultural Department Store Dussmann is set to open a new branch in Berlin's KaDeWe, offering books, music, and events.
Three-Day Ceasefire Ukraine and Russia for May 9
Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a three-day ceasefire for May 9, aimed at ensuring the upcoming holiday in Moscow.
Mäc Geiz files for insolvency – branches at risk
The non-food discount retailer Mäc Geiz has filed for insolvency under self-administration at the Halle (Saale) District Court.
Ukrainian Defense-Tech Startups Struggle for Status
Ukrainian Defense-Tech startups face significant challenges as key developers can be mobilized at any time without critical status.
Diesel prices at Shell stations unexpectedly lowered
Drivers in North Rhine-Westphalia experienced a surprising drop in diesel prices, which, however, was short-lived.
Starmer defies calls to resign: “I will continue to fight”
Keir Starmer stands firm against growing resignation demands within the Labour Party, asserting he will remain in power.
Zelenskyy Calls on Russia to Adhere to Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reiterated a ceasefire proposal to Russia on Monday following new Russian attacks on Ukraine, according to Deutsche Welle.
Bafin warns of risky real estate loans and cyber threats
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bafin) highlights increased risks associated with real estate loans and growing cyber threats to consumers and banks.
Wacken Open Air: The Story of the Largest Festival
Since 1990, Wacken Open Air has drawn heavy metal fans from around the world to a small village in Schleswig-Holstein. Founders Holger Hübner and Thomas Jensen share the festival's origins in the documentary "Wacken - Hearts Full of Metal," as reported by NDR.
Russia Ukraine Following Ceasefire Expiration
After the end of the agreed ceasefire, Russia has resumed its attacks on Ukraine, according to Ukrainian military reports.
Three Dead and 18 Injured in Russian Attacks in Donetsk and Kherson
On May 11, Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Kherson regions killed three civilians and injured 18 others, including a child, according to Ukrainska Pravda citing regional military administrations.
EU Foreign Ministers Disagree on Negotiations with Putin
The EU foreign ministers are debating the possibility of negotiating directly with Putin to end the war in Ukraine, revealing tensions within the Council of Foreign Affairs.
Gas Storage Operators Warn of Supply Shortages in Winter 2026/27
German gas storage facilities are unusually low at the start of summer. The Initiative Energy Storage (Ines) warns of potential gas shortages in winter 2026/27 if temperatures drop similarly to 2010.
Russian Drone Attacks on Kyiv and Dnipro Overnight
Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine overnight, triggering air alerts in Kyiv and several regions. Debris from a downed drone fell on a residential building in the capital.
Yasmin Fahimi confirmed as DGB chair with 96 percent support
Yasmin Fahimi was re-elected for a second term as chair of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) at the federal congress in Berlin-Neukölln, receiving 96 percent of the votes. The 58-year-old is determined to tackle the challenges ahead.
Bavaria Eliminates 519 Administrative Regulations – New Goal: 30 Percent Reduction
Since 2024, Bavaria has passed four modernization laws and eliminated 519 administrative regulations. The new goal of the state government is to reduce administrative regulations by 30 percent by the end of the year, as reported by the Bavarian State Chancellery to BR.
Cannes 2026: Hollywood Blockbusters Absent, Focus on Auteurs
The 79th Festival, starting on May 12, witnesses a historic retreat of Hollywood: not a single major US studio film will premiere, reports Guardian.
At least 20,000 Ukrainian children held in Russia
A Ukrainian initiative reports that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children are being held by Russian families and authorities. Their return raises numerous questions.
Russian attacks on Kyiv: Residential buildings and kindergarten affected
Russian forces have once again targeted areas in the Kyiv region, damaging residential buildings and educational facilities, according to Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the Kyiv Regional Administration.
Chip stocks cool off in Asia as oil prices rise
Oil prices are rising in Asia due to dwindling hopes for de-escalation in the Iran conflict, while chip stocks come under pressure after a decline in the South Korean market.
Bundesliga: DFL leadership warns against dependence on investors
The managing directors of the German Football League (DFL), Steffen Merkel and Marc Lenz, discuss the 50+1 rule, emphasizing the need for capital for youth development and infrastructure.
Jim Chalmers announces budget to address economic fears
Australian Jim Chalmers has announced that the 2026 budget will tackle citizens' economic concerns, focusing on housing and tax system challenges.
Europol hunts for abducted Ukrainian children – 19,500 missing
Europol is investigating Russia for the abduction of Ukrainian children. According to Politico Europe, the agency is following up on reports of around 19,500 missing minors.
Andrij Illenko: Withdrawal from Donbas Would Be Suicide for Ukraine
Former MP Andrij Illenko, who fights in the 'Svoboda' Battalion, warns against a withdrawal from Donbas. He describes the current front situation as stable despite losses in Pokrovsk.
President of the German Medical Association Calls for Delay in Health Insurance Reform
Klaus Reinhardt, President of the German Medical Association, is calling for a postponement of the savings package aimed at stabilizing statutory health insurance before the parliamentary summer break.