Germany’s sugar tax: what fizzy drinks could cost from July 2027
The coalition has agreed two tax bands, 26 and 32 cents a litre. Cabinet is due to decide on Wednesday; what reaches the shelf depends on the manufacturers.
Day 13. October 2026
Kyiv missile strike: why no warning came
Zelensky says partners gave no warning before five ballistic missiles hit Kyiv. Foreign Minister Sybiha says US intelligence sharing continues.
Ukrainian driving licence: swap it for a German one, no tests
Since 18 August, Ukraine is on Annex 11 of the Driving Licence Ordinance. What you need to convert your licence, what it costs and how it works in Munich.
Gas reserve levy: what it would cost households
The Economy Ministry’s draft puts the cost at €3.77 to €7.20 a year for a typical household – about a tenth of the old storage levy.
Ukrainian doctors: new recognition rules from 1 November
From 1 November a knowledge test becomes the default for doctors, dentists and pharmacists trained outside the EU. Applying under the old rules means filing by 31 October.
Bavaria backs “right to be forgotten” for cancer survivors
The Bavarian Council of Ministers supports a Bundesrat initiative for a “right to be forgotten” for people who have had cancer and wants to amend the Bavarian Civil Service Act.
CDU presses new labour minister Schweitzer for swift reforms
Alexander Schweitzer is sworn in as labour minister this Tuesday. Even before the ceremony, the Union is demanding speed on pensions and the working hours law.
EU leaders push for tougher Russia sanctions
At Thursday's EU summit, heads of state and government want to demand new measures against Moscow's oil revenues – in open opposition to US President Trump.
ISW: Energy ceasefire would mainly benefit Russia
The US Institute for the Study of War (ISW) sees the energy ceasefire announced by Donald Trump as a one-sided offer: it would ban Ukraine from attacking Russian refineries, but allow Russia to continue hitting Ukrainian power plants.
Germany’s minimum wage hits €14.60 in 2027
From 1 January employers must pay at least €14.60 an hour. What it means for full-time staff and minijobbers, and what to check on your payslip.
Emergency crews to protest at Brandenburg Gate
Civil and disaster protection organisations plan to bring rescue helicopters and ambulances to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Tuesday. They warn of the consequences of the planned emergency reform.
Trade Republic to offer free state-subsidised pension plan
Neobroker Trade Republic plans to offer the state-subsidised Altersvorsorgedepot from 2027 completely free of charge – even fund costs are to be waived. Consumer advocates urge savers to look closely at the effective costs.
Munich nursery places 2027: register by 3 March, new fees ahead
To secure a nursery or kindergarten place for September 2027, Munich parents must register by 3 March. The city also plans new, income-based fees.
Three killed in Kharkiv missile strike recovered from rubble
After the Russian missile strike on Kharkiv on Monday evening, rescuers recovered three dead from the rubble in the Cholodnohirskyi district. Ten people were injured, and the search continues.
Drone attack on Lviv region: houses ablaze, cars damaged
Overnight into Tuesday, Russia attacked the Rivne and Lviv regions with drones. In Murovane in Lviv Raion, two houses burned after a downed drone crashed, and three cars were damaged.