Germany

Politics

Chancellor Friedrich Merz was confirmed as CDU leader and pursued a second term, while the SPD initiated a new foundational policy program. Internationally, Merz opposed French President Emmanuel Macron's vision for European strategic autonomy and debt union, instead forming a new partnership with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Merz also undertook diplomatic travel to Beijing and Gulf states, urging China to use its influence on Ukraine and stating Europe must become more self-sufficient. Domestically, the AfD maintained strong polling amid internal scandals, and a court ruled the domestic intelligence agency cannot classify the entire party as a suspected extremist group.

Economy

Chancellor Friedrich Merz advanced a domestic agenda focused on pension reform and increasing stock ownership. Major corporate restructuring occurred, with Siemens planning a leadership transition and Volkswagen announcing a new 60-billion-euro savings program. Internationally, Merz traveled to China with a business delegation, where China agreed to purchase 120 Airbus aircraft and reclaimed its position as Germany's top trade partner. New tariffs imposed by the United States are expected to reduce German exports, with a study estimating that U.S. tariffs, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine have cost Germany $1 trillion.

Security

At the Munich Security Conference, Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocated for a stronger Europe and renewed transatlantic partnership, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio aimed to reassure allies. Merz stated Germany will not pursue its own nuclear weapons but discussed a European nuclear shield, and publicly questioned the FCAS fighter jet project. Germany announced a desire to deliver more Patriot systems to Ukraine with conditions, and the Bundeswehr confirmed a partial withdrawal from Northern Iraq. Domestically, police investigated a series of threats targeting infrastructure in Berlin, and two men were arrested in Hamburg on suspicion of attempting to sabotage warships.

Information

The AfD managed an internal scandal over nepotism allegations in several state branches, with party leadership denying the accusations while moving to expel a politician. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for mandatory real-name use on the internet, and the SPD proposed a ban on social media for children under 14. Internationally, newly released Jeffrey Epstein court documents named several German figures and institutions, including a former chancellor and Deutsche Bank, leading to calls for a government investigation.

Humanitarian

The Bundestag debated reforming the asylum system, and the SPD announced it would fight against planned cuts to government-funded integration courses for immigrants. German media reported a series of violent incidents in Berlin and Hamburg, including a fatal subway stabbing and over 100 assaults on bus drivers. Internationally, a German politician visited Gaza, drawing domestic criticism, and the Berlin International Film Festival faced significant backlash and protests related to Gaza. Separately, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Munich to protest against the government in Iran.

Energy

Several German states progressed with renewable energy projects as the federal government developed new transition rules, while the nation's underground gas storage levels dropped below