Germany

Europe Weighs Giving Infrastructure Operators Powers to Stop Drones

European governments are reconsidering who has the authority to stop hostile drones near power plants, airports and other critical infrastructure. France has already legislated for selected private operators, while the EU examines broader counter-drone rules.

Germany Scrambles Fighter Jets After False Hijacking Alert

Germany scrambled two Eurofighter jets after a Corendon Airlines flight from Greece transmitted a hijacking code and lost radio contact. Nuremberg Airport temporarily suspended operations before authorities confirmed a communications malfunction had caused the false alarm.

Former German Spy Chief Arrested for Attempted Treason

Former BND president August Hanning has been arrested on suspicion of attempted treason and espionage. Prosecutors allege he obtained nearly 2,000 classified documents through a former aide and used secret intelligence while working as a private consultant.

Germany Faces Weak Labour Market as Energy Costs Drive Inflation Higher

Germany’s unemployment and inflation are rising as the economy struggles with expensive energy. The loss of Russian pipeline gas has weakened the industrial advantage once enjoyed by its manufacturers and intensified pressure on jobs, investment and growth.

Croatian Court Clears Extradition of Nord Stream Bombing Suspect to Germany

A Croatian court has approved the extradition of Ukrainian diver Volodymyr Zhuravlov to Germany over the 2022 Nord Stream explosions. German prosecutors accuse him of helping plant the explosives, but his lawyers deny the allegations and plan to appeal the ruling.

AfD Wins Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Its Second State Victory in Two Weeks

The AfD has won 38.2% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, securing its second state-election victory in two weeks after taking Saxony-Anhalt. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU fell below the 5% threshold, while other parties continue to rule out governing with the AfD.

Berlin and Mecklenburg Vote as AfD Surge Tests Germany’s Political Centre

Voters in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are heading to the polls in a major test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The elections come just two weeks after the AfD won 43.8% in Saxony-Anhalt, intensifying pressure on Germany’s traditional parties.