Recent news and analysis on Germany

Latest news, breaking stories, and expert analysis on Germany. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage from trusted sources.

• Jens Spahn resigns CDU/CSU leadership over surrogacy controversy

  Jens Spahn resigned as parliamentary group leader of Germany's governing coalition on July 18, 2026, after backlash over using a US surrogate to have a child, which is banned in Germany. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the resignation 'right' and 'inevitable'. Alexander Hoffmann will temporarily assume Spahn's duties. The controversy comes ahead of a state election in Saxony-Anhalt in September, where the far-right AfD is predicted to surpass the CDU.

• Germany to overhaul renewable-energy subsidies from 2027

  Germany plans to scale back renewable-energy subsidies from 2027, phasing out fixed feed-in tariffs for new installations and rewarding projects that respond to electricity demand and reduce grid congestion. The changes could slow investment in onshore wind and solar due to higher costs and falling revenues from negative power prices.

• Germany considers allowing Sunday shopping to boost economy

  Germany is considering relaxing strict Sunday trading laws to revive its stagnant economy. Berlin grocery store owner Bedran Günes was fined €2,500 for selling nonperishable food on a Sunday, highlighting the tension between tradition and economic necessity. Günes says he makes 40% of his sales on Sundays.

• Germany to join French nuclear exercise this year

  Germany and France announced that German military will participate in a French nuclear exercise before end of 2026, deepening European nuclear cooperation. Chancellor Merz stated the cooperation complements NATO nuclear sharing, and Germany remains committed to NATO. Macron said Germany will have a 'vanguard role' in deterrence.

• Merz, Macron deepen Franco-German ties with joint meetings

  Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron held four meetings and joint ministerial sessions this week, culminating at Augustusburg Palace. Merz attended France's National Day parade, the first German chancellor since 2019. German troops will join a French nuclear exercise by end of 2026, deepening nuclear cooperation amid US reliability concerns. Merz also promised to 'extend a hand' to Macron's successor after the 2027 elections.

• Surrogacy scandal upends German politics

  A surrogacy scandal has rocked German politics, with implications for the government. The scandal involves surrogacy, which is regulated in Germany, and has led to calls for resignation.

• Germany raises terror alert to high threat level

  Germany raised its national security alert from 'abstract' to 'high' due to increased intelligence of potential attack plans. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said attack plans are clearly discernible. The Cabinet will consider expanding intelligence powers on August 13.

• Germany scrambles to shield data from potential AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt

  German security authorities are urgently protecting sensitive information from potential access by the far-right AfD party if it wins the September 6 election in Saxony-Anhalt. Lawmaker Sebastian Fiedler suggested deleting or classifying data to prevent an AfD-led government from accessing it.

• VW CEO to face staff questions on restructuring

  Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume will answer employee questions at extraordinary staff assemblies in August about the company's restructuring plans. The works council will hold assemblies at Wolfsburg on August 25 and at Emden and Zwickau on August 26, two of four German plants at risk of closure.

• Germany orders Deutsche Bahn to cede capacity to rivals

  Germany's network regulator ruled that Deutsche Bahn must reserve at least a quarter of capacity on key long-distance routes for competitors, confirming a preliminary ruling. The decision, which drew sharp criticism from Deutsche Bahn and states, paves the way for Italian rail company Italo to enter the German market in 2028.