EU countries issued a record 3.9 million residence permits last year EU countries issued a record number of residence permits in 2025, up 10% on the year, driven mainly by employment and family reunification. Euronews · Sep 21
The AfD thrives in the absence of mainstream parties that speak to people’s daily lives Letters: Readers respond to Carolin Würfel’s article on the reasons behind Alternative für Deutschland’s recent electoral success in Germany The Guardian - UK · Sep 21
‘Small, flowering islands’: German city reveals how nature thrives when neighbours care for street tree beds When Olivia Besters began caring for the patch of soil beneath the chestnut tree outside her home in Freiburg, Germany, more than 35 years ago, biodiversity was not on her mind. The Conversation · Sep 21
Germany's Merz vows to hold ruling coalition together after election gains by far right, hard left German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed Monday to keep his ruling coalition of the centre-right CDU and centre-left SPD together for the sake of the country's "democratic future", after both the far right and hard left made big gains in Germany's state elections on Sunday. France 24 · Sep 21
Sorbonne Professor Hans Stark: 'Merz is in a very, very fragile situation' The far right AfD claims it has become Germany’s new “people’s party”. The statement comes after AfD claimed its second regional election win in as many weeks, ramping up pressure on the poorly performing CDU and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The far-left party also advanced, winning its third regional election thanks… France 24 · Sep 21
Global Market: Euro area bond yields fall as oil prices ease Euro area government bond yields fell Monday as lower oil prices eased inflation concerns. Germany’s 10-year Bund yield dropped 4.5 basis points to 3.48%. Investors focused on potential diplomatic progress over Iran and recovering Saudi oil shipments. German regional election gains by far-left and AfD parties had limited market impact. The Economic Times · Sep 21
Jamie Carragher reveals dream Florian Wirtz scenario as Jurgen Klopp hands Liverpool unexpected boost Liverpool’s big-money signing has made a slow start to the season Evening Standard · Sep 21
What's next for Germany's troubled chancellor after a string of state election defeats Friedrich Merz says he intends to stay on as the leader of Germany and his party after a string of state election defeats The Independent UK · Sep 21
Germany's Merz struggles to stay on track after humiliating regional election defeat Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces political pressure after electoral defeats. His party lost seats in state legislatures for the first time. The far-right Alternative for Germany party gained strength in one region. Merz vowed to continue pushing his reform agenda for Germany. Upcoming state elections will further test his leadership and… The Economic Times · Sep 21
Oktoberfest kicks off with beer, cheers and a traditional first tap Oktoberfest 2026 opened in Munich, Germany, when the mayor tapped the first keg. Crowds sang and drank beer while police stepped up security checks. Euronews · Sep 21
Germany’s Merz says state election result a ‘disaster’ as AfD make significant gains IN FULL The Independent UK · Sep 21
What are binomial names? Which species has the longest scientific name, and why was the 181-letter name inspired by Bangkok despite being found in Germany? In a fascinating twist of scientific nomenclature, researchers have unveiled an oomycete boasting a staggering 181-letter name. Drawing inspiration from the ceremonial title of Bangkok, this unusual organism was actually found in Germany, cleverly playing with linguistic convention for fun. This discovery underscores the whimsical side of scientific taxonomy, showcasing… The Economic Times · Sep 21
Volkswagen Group Warns 'We Have No Time To Lose' As Problems Worsen VW is cutting costs, slashing jobs, and lowering its profit outlook as China, EVs, and Germany's high costs pile on the pressure. Motor1 · Sep 21
Five takeaways from Germany's regional elections after far-right gains Sunday's elections in two German states resulted in the defeat of the country's ruling CDU, a result described as a “disaster” by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, in the northeast of the country, the far-right AfD became the strongest party while the hard-left Die Linke led the polls in… France 24 · Sep 21
Euronews · Sep 21 ‘A disaster’ – Merz’s migraine-triggering electoral defeat Good morning. Angela Skujins on newsletter duties this week, with our attention split between Germany, the United States and Belgium this Monday morning. Let's go.
The Independent UK · Sep 21 Germany's Merz faces struggle to stay on track after humiliating regional election defeat German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a struggle to stabilize his position and keep his agenda on track after voters inflicted two more defeats on his party, ejecting it from a state legislature for the first time
Euronews · Sep 21 Germany: The Left triumphs in Berlin as AfD surges in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Germany’s final state elections of the year have delivered a sharp political shake-up. The Left has won Berlin, while the AfD has come out on top in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with the CDU suffering heavy losses in both elections.
The Times of India · Sep 21 AfD tops another German state poll, Merz’s CDU crashes to historic low Germany's AfD party has won the state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, delivering a major blow to Chancellor Merz's Christian Democratic Union. This outcome underscores growing voter dissatisfaction concerning economic challenges and migration policies. Many voters were also swayed by their opposition to Berlin's stance on Ukraine. Mainstream political parties continue…
The Economic Times · Sep 21 UPI vs credit cards - How India's payments system is boosting savings and benefitting multiple stakeholders The Anglo-Saxon economies of the US, United Kingdom and Australia show a reduction in household savings rates along with a growth in credit card usage, while European nations such as Germany, France and the Netherlands— that encourage the use of debit cards over credit cards—report a higher household savings rate.
The Guardian - UK · Sep 20 Friedrich Merz vows to stay in office after CDU ‘disaster’ in German state elections Far-right AfD wins in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and leftwing Die Linke on course for victory in Berlin
The Independent UK · Sep 20 Germany’s Merz vows to press on with reforms after historic state election defeat The 70-year-old leader took office 16 months ago with promises to reignite an economy stalled for years
The Times of India · Sep 20 ‘Disastrous’: Germany’s Merz faces mounting pressure after fresh CDU defeats German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suffered a fresh electoral setback on Sunday as his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) lost ground in two state elections, but he rejected suggestions that his government would backtrack on its reform agenda.
Radio France Internationale · Sep 20 Germany's Merz vows to press on with reforms despite state election defeat German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he plans to stay in office after his party suffered losses in two state elections on Sunday, vowing to push on with the government’s plans for potentially painful reforms. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party took first place in the northeastern state of…
France 24 · Sep 20 Germany’s Merz admits ‘disaster’ in state elections, vows to press ahead with reforms German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday described his CDU party's heavy losses in two regional elections as a "disaster", but vowed to push ahead with a reform drive. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party took first place in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, exit polls showed, and also…
The Times of India · Sep 20 Afghan man arrested over suspected synagogue arson attempt in Germany ahead of holiest Jewish day A 37-year-old Afghan man was arrested in Germany on Thursday on suspicion of trying to set fire to a synagogue in Wuppertal, western Germany, just days before Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.