Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, has voted to introduce voluntary military service, in a move aimed at boosting national defences after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It marks a significant shift in Germany’s approach to its military and follows Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s push to create Europe’s strongest conventional army. The change means that all 18-year-olds in…
The African Union (AU) and the Federal Republic of Germany have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership for sustainable development, peace, and prosperity in Africa during the AU-Germany Negotiations on Development Cooperation, held on 6-7 November 2025 at the African Union Commission (AUC) Headquarters in Addis Ababa. Germany committed an additional €88 million in new funding to…
A Lebanese man has gone on trial in Celle, northern Germany, accused of being a member of Hezbollah – a Shia Muslim group whose military wing is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the EU. The 35 year-old man, named only as Fadel Z, in line with German privacy laws, is charged with having played…
LONDON — For the first time in modern history, far-right and populist parties are simultaneously topping the polls in Europe’s three main economies of Germany, France and Britain. A poll Tuesday showed Alternative for Germany — which is under surveillance by the country’s intelligence services over suspected extremism — is now the most favored by…
The UK and Germany have agreed a plan to create a new, direct rail link between London and Berlin as part of a wide-ranging treaty. The Kensington Treaty also includes opening e-gates for frequent travellers between the two countries next month, as well as agreeing school exchange visits. Friedrich Merz made his first official visit…
Laura Gozzi & Paul Kirby BBC News Reuters Security is tight at the Nato summit – President Trump’s first since 2019 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that Russia’s president understands only the language of force and that Tuesday’s “historic” Nato summit in The Hague will aim to ensure peace in Europe for generations to…
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