EU budget: Ireland cuts, Merz still says no
Eight per cent below the Commission’s draft, yet the cuts land where Berlin least wants them. What the presidency’s numbers actually show.
Day 15. October 2026
Merz and Macron soften the EU’s 2035 combustion-engine rule
Berlin and Paris agree a weaker 2035 rule for new cars in exchange for “Made in Europe” preferences. Nothing is law yet, and the SPD has set its own red line on the deal.
Munich with kids this weekend: museum night, Dult, gaming
About 100 museums open until 1 a.m. on 17 October and the Kirchweihdult starts in the Au — prices, hours and how to get there.
Breast cancer screening to start at 45 in Germany
The Federal Joint Committee has lowered the age limit for mammography screening to 45. The new rule is set to take effect on 1 August 2027.
Munich to Check Rental Ads for Overpriced Flats
A new city tool will compare online listings with the rent index and write to landlords who ask too much. What it means for tenants and where to get free advice.
Ukraine strikes Ryazan refinery as Zelensky ends pause
After a three-day pause, Ukraine has again attacked Russian refineries. Overnight into Thursday, a fire broke out in Ryazan, and a military airfield is also said to have been hit.
Zelenskyy: Over 850 Shahed drones launched at Ukraine
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia launched more than 850 Shahed drones at Ukraine between Wednesday and Thursday morning. Six people died in attacks in Kropyvnytskyi and the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Kyiv to resume refinery strikes as Europe splits over diesel deal
Zelenskyy says “the block is out”. After the Trump-Putin diesel deal, Kyiv will hit Russian refineries again, and EU leaders disagree on what to make of it.
German parliament passes emergency care reform
The Bundestag has passed the reform of emergency care. Around 750 integrated emergency centres are to relieve pressure on A&E departments from 2027 and steer patients better.
Kindergeld without an application: what changes in 2027
The Bundesrat has approved automatic child benefit. When it starts, who will still have to apply, and whether the rate rises to €267.
Kropyvnytskyi: Three dead in largest drone attack
Nearly 360 Russian drones struck the Kirovohrad region overnight into Thursday. Three people died in Kropyvnytskyi, six were injured.
Merz Leads EU Budget Fight in Brussels
At the EU summit in Brussels, the 27 heads of state and government are wrestling over the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028 to 2034. Germany is demanding cuts of several hundred billion euros, while the Commission wants to increase it.
Bundestag to vote on higher tobacco tax
The Bundestag is expected to pass a legislative amendment on Thursday providing for gradual tobacco tax increases from 2027. A 20-pack of cigarettes could cost an average of 11.78 euros in 2030.
Bundestag votes on emergency care reform
The Bundestag votes this Thursday on the reform of emergency care. Integrated emergency centres and a telephone initial assessment are intended to relieve overstretched emergency departments.