Heating season: the minimum temperature your landlord owes
Heating must be on since 1 October: 20 to 22°C by day, about 18°C at night. What applies when it's cold, what saving brings and where back payments loom.
Month 14. October 2026
Merz to Address Bundestag as Nord Stream Trial Opens
Friedrich Merz will give a government statement on Wednesday. In Hamburg, the first trial against an alleged Nord Stream saboteur begins.
Russian missile strike on Kyiv kills two people
During a night-time attack with ballistic missiles on Kyiv, two people were killed and 21 injured.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poland Detains Man Over Alleged Plot Against Tusk
A man allegedly threatened Poland’s prime minister and planned an attack. What investigators say, where accounts differ and what is still unknown.
Trump Calls for Zelensky’s Replacement as Zelensky Offers Wartime Elections
US President Trump demands a new president in Ukraine and a halt to strikes on Russian refineries. Zelensky says Ukraine is ready to hold elections – with a 60-day ceasefire.
Clocks Go Back on 25 October: What to Know, Especially With Kids
Germany returns to winter time in the night to 25 October. What happens to long-distance trains and S-Bahn, how to ease children into it, and why the EU still hasn't scrapped the clock change.
Munich’s autumn Dult: what families should know
The Kirchweihdult runs 17–25 October on Mariahilfplatz. Free entry, Family Day on 20 October – plus travel tips and costs for kids.
Spies: Russia plans attacks on defence executives
Five European intelligence services warn, according to the Financial Times, that the Kremlin is expanding sabotage and assassination plans against executives of defence companies. The BfV is stepping up protection for German companies.
Russian air strikes on Sloviansk and Yasnohirka injure nine
Nine civilians were injured on Sunday in Russian air strikes on Sloviansk and the settlement of Yasnohirka in Kramatorsk municipality, according to the prosecutor's office of Donetsk region.
Munich Tram Turns 150: Free Festival Weekend for Families
On 17 and 18 October MVG marks the anniversary with a vintage-vehicle parade, a free anniversary line and a depot open day with children’s activities.