Political news, decisions and debates from Germany, Europe and the world, reported with clear source attribution.
Germany's Federal Court of Auditors has sharply criticized the Foreign Office for granting millions in federal funds to the Muslim aid organization Islamic Relief Germany, despite the government's own concerns about its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is set to chair a new North-South commission on the future of development policy, according to a report by Tagesspiegel citing government sources.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged the governing coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD to focus on domestic and economic policy as well as welfare state reform. The country is capable of reform, Steinmeier said.
The Bundestag passed a justice reform package on Thursday that digitizes the police certificate of good conduct and expands online procedures for notaries. In the future, the document will be delivered as a PDF directly to citizens' BundID accounts.
The SPD is opposing cuts to development aid. According to Spiegel, the party is issuing a clear warning against savings in this area.
Giorgia Meloni sees the new European asylum system as confirmation of her migration policy, as reported by FAZ. However, Italy continues to go its own way in dealing with private sea rescuers.
According to the ZDF Politbarometer, 89 percent of Germans consider fundamental reforms necessary, but 75 percent see no willingness in the population to bear the costs. Only a third would be prepared to accept personal sacrifices.
The Frankfurt public prosecutor's office has searched further premises of supporters of the voter initiative 'Frankfurt – Sozial!'. There is suspicion that signatures from users of a home emergency call system were forged to get Peter Feldmann's electoral list onto the ballot for the local election.
Carsten Schneider (SPD) has pushed back against criticism of renewable energy in a dispute with Katherina Reiche. He warned that blocking the energy transition harms the national interest.
The city council in Raunheim has approved the recall motion against Mayor David Rendel (SPD) by a large majority. Rendel can now either resign voluntarily within a week or face a citizen referendum.
The Bundestag approved the pharmacy reform proposed by the black-red coalition on Thursday. Pharmacies will now be allowed to offer vaccinations, preventive check-ups, and rapid tests, according to the newspaper.
The Bundestag has passed a draft law to further develop pharmaceutical care, the federal government announced. The aim is to secure a nationwide network of pharmacies and expand their competencies.
German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) wants to allow victims of domestic violence to divorce without the usual one-year separation period. A draft law specifies the hardship clause.
The Young Union (JU) has warned the CDU against losing its profile as a family party. The background is planned cuts to parental allowance, which are causing discontent within the Union.
EU Economic Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has ruled out any easing of EU sanctions against Russia. The European Union (EU) has lowered its growth forecast for 2026 and warned of rising inflation, according to Euronews.
AfD politician Bernd Baumann picked up a CDU brochure about his party at the party headquarters and called it "full of lies" in a TikTok video. The CDU immediately responded to the social media attack, as reported by the FAZ.
Magdeburg's Mayor Simone Borris has rejected allegations of political interference following the cancellation of a planned reading by author and FragDenStaat project leader Arne Semsrott.
The Bundestag has extended the deadline for the 65-percent renewable energy quota for new heating systems. According to Tagesspiegel, the regulation will not take effect on July 1 as planned, but no earlier than November 1.
A resolution by the parliamentary SME group of the CDU/CSU parliamentary party is causing a stir. According to Zdfheute, the tax reform is in danger of failing.
Germany's government-appointed pension commission is set to present its recommendations at the end of June. After a report about a possible retirement age of 70, the commission and the government immediately denied the claims, according to Tagesschau.
The AfD has failed in the Bundestag with its motion for a parliamentary investigative committee into the Nord Stream sabotage attacks. Several parliamentary groups rejected the proposal, accusing the party of electioneering.
North Rhine-Westphalia's state premier Hendrik Wüst (CDU) visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial during a trip to Poland and laid a wreath. The visit comes as CDU leader Friedrich Merz struggles with reforms in Berlin and Wüst is being discussed as a possible successor.
The German government plans to acquire a stake in KNDS, the manufacturer of the Leopard tank. According to the Tagesspiegel, the share is expected to reach 30 percent in the medium term.
Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) presented plans to the Bundestag's Defense Committee for reorganizing arms procurement, aiming for faster decisions and higher procurement volumes, according to Deutschlandfunk.
The federal government has introduced a law that would allow oil and gas heating systems to operate for significantly longer. Hamburg's Greens are demanding stricter rules, citing a state-level opt-out clause, as reported by FAZ.
Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) and Minister Verena Hubertz (SPD) answered questions from lawmakers during a 90-minute government question time in the Bundestag on Wednesday, as reported by Phoenix.
Misbah Khan, deputy leader of the Green Party parliamentary group, has warned the German government against cutting parental allowance. Families are being increasingly burdened, Khan said on Deutschlandfunk.
The German federal cabinet has approved a reform of driving school training aimed at making obtaining a driver's license cheaper and more flexible. Patrick Schnieder (CDU) called it a key to freedom, while TÜV and driving instructors warn of safety risks.
Environmental groups have reacted with alarm to the latest report from the Expert Council on Climate Issues. According to Deutschlandfunk, the panel sees Germany's 2030 climate goals in jeopardy.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has rejected calls to resign after his party suffered heavy losses in local elections, vowing to fight the next general election.
Several police unions have warned against the AfD taking over the government in Saxony-Anhalt. They fear restrictions on the rule of law and access to security information.
Purely fact-based communication is no longer enough to counter the AfD, writes the Tagesspiegel in a commentary. What is needed is respect, taking uncertainties seriously, and refraining from demarcation.
In Saxony-Anhalt, a debate has begun on how to prevent a possible takeover of government by the AfD. According to Deutschlandfunk, various political and legal options are being discussed.
Markus Söder insists that the coalition must implement a comprehensive reform package by the summer break to address pressure from the public and the economy.
Dirk Wiese expresses concerns about the potential participation of the AfD in the government of Saxony-Anhalt, warning of a dangerous access to the state apparatus.
The Expert Council on Climate Issues has presented its review report on Germany's climate goals today in Berlin, highlighting significant implications for the federal government.
Markus Söder is adjusting his strategy following recent defeats in local elections, focusing more on economic issues.
The coalition of Union and SPD faces critical weeks as the AfD gains ground in polls. CSU leader Markus Söder warned on Saturday in Würzburg of a potential government failure.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure from the rise of right-wing populism and internal party conflicts.
Despite tensions between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US Donald Trump, the German government is committed to acquiring Tomahawk missiles.