Ukraine passes minority-schools law to unblock EU talks
The Rada voted 266 for a law on minority education, Hungary’s condition for opening two more EU negotiating clusters. Nothing is formally open yet.
Day 12. October 2026
Flu jab in Bavaria: who pays and when to get it
Bavarian health insurers pay for the flu jab for everyone with statutory cover. Getting it in October or November protects you before the winter rise.
Merz announces electricity tax cut for all households
After election defeats and Bärbel Bas's resignation, the Chancellor wants to cut the electricity tax for all households to the European minimum. The CDU leadership admits to a crisis of confidence.
Health insurance 2027: your deadline to switch if rates rise
The 2027 forecast lands mid-October. If your insurer raises its rate you can switch, but only within a short window, and a warning letter is no longer required.
EU agrees record Russia sanctions package
The EU agreed in Luxembourg on Monday its largest sanctions expansion since the war began: nearly 1,600 to 1,646 people and companies, more than half from the ballistic missile production chain.
Kharkiv drone strike: injured rises to 22
After a Russian drone hit a nine-storey residential building in Kharkiv, the number of injured has risen to 22, including two children. Prime Minister Koretskyi reports further attacks on energy facilities.
Bavaria will part-pay a family holiday: up to €19.50 a day
The state subsidises stays in recognised family holiday houses. Book before your application is confirmed and you lose the grant – here is how it works.
Kyiv urges EU sanctions on ten more Russian oligarchs
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha calls the removal of Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov from the EU list a mistake. Ahead of the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, he demands more pressure on Moscow.
Germany moves to make reserve service compulsory
The Bundestag debates a bill on Thursday that would let the Bundeswehr call up reservists without employer consent. Who is covered, what it costs and where it may snag.
EU adopts largest sanctions list since war began
EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg adopted sanctions against more than 1,600 individuals and organisations – the largest expansion of the list to date. Criticism is directed at the US.
Bas resigns as labour minister: what it means for pensions
The labour minister and SPD co-chair steps down with immediate effect. Alexander Schweitzer is set to succeed her, opening a delicate phase for pension reform and the coalition.
Russian drone strikes on Kharkiv: eleven injured
Eleven people were injured in Russian drone strikes on Kharkiv on Monday. The attacks continued during the morning, and the Zhytomyr region was also hit during the night.
Sumy Region Hit by Over 80 Attacks: One Dead, Several Injured
Russian troops carried out more than 80 attacks on 22 settlements in the Sumy region overnight into Monday. A 39-year-old man died and several people were injured.
Drone hits residential area in Izium, one person injured
According to the city administration, the Russian army carried out an attack on the city of Izium during the night. One person was injured, numerous houses and the power supply were damaged.
Trump announces “energy truce” as Kyiv reports violations
US President Trump announces an immediate truce on attacks on energy facilities. Ukraine accuses Russia of new attacks the same evening – Zelensky knew nothing of the agreement.