German international goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler has completed a move to 1. FC Köln, signing a two-year contract with the Bundesliga newcomer. The transfer was officially confirmed by the club on Monday evening. FC Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler highlighted Zieler’s leadership qualities as a key factor in the decision to bring him to the club. “His…
July 7, 2025
Businesses Seek More Support for Struggling Apprentices
According to a new study by the Competency Center for Skilled Workforce (Kofa), a significant majority of German businesses are advocating for external, government-supported assistance programs tailored to apprentices who are struggling academically. The findings, reported by the “Rheinische Post” highlight a growing recognition of the challenges faced in…
July 7, 2025
Trump Delays Tariffs to August 1
The United States is extending the deadline for potential tariffs, shifting the implementation date to August 1st. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that a presidential decree will be signed on Monday to formalize this extension. Should agreements not be reached with affected nations by then, significant tariff increases are anticipated to take effect early…
July 7, 2025
Union Demands Tougher Heat Protection Penalties
Labor unions are calling for stricter enforcement and potential reforms regarding worker protection from heat stress in workplaces across Germany. Hans-Jürgen Urban, Social Director of IG Metall, expressed concern that while existing regulations regarding employee heat protection in offices and factories appear sufficient on paper, many businesses are failing to implement…
July 7, 2025
German Police Union Seeks Border Protocol
Concerns have been raised by the German Police Union (GdP) regarding the commencement of Polish border controls on the frontier with Germany. GdP officials are calling for close coordination and clearly defined protocols between the two nations regarding the return of individuals at the border. Andreas Roßkopf, Federal Chairman of the GdP for the Federal Police, emphasized…
July 7, 2025
Germany Praises Poland’s Border Checks
Joint border checks initiated by Poland at the borders with Lithuania and Germany have been affirmed as a significant step in addressing irregular migration, according to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. The measures, commencing on Monday, represent a coordinated effort between the Polish and German governments, emphasizing a shared approach to managing migration…
July 7, 2025
Lawmakers Push For Mask Deal Inquiry
The debate surrounding multi-billion euro contracts awarded during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified, with the conservative Union faction advocating for an inquiry commission rather than a parliamentary investigative committee. Steffen Bilger, Parliamentary Secretary of the Union faction, told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that a committee…
July 7, 2025
Germany Greens Left Push for Mask Scandal Probe
Pressure is mounting within the German Bundestag as the Green Party and the Left Party urge the Social Democratic Party (SPD) to facilitate the establishment of an investigative committee regarding the ongoing “mask affair. Irene Mihalic, First Parliamentary Director of the Green Party, told “Stern” magazine that the SPD’s commitment remains the sole…
July 7, 2025
Patient Advocate Backs Universal Healthcare
The Federal Government’s Patients’ Advocate, Stefan Schwartze, has publicly voiced his support for a citizen’s insurance model within the German healthcare system. Speaking to Ippen-Media, Schwartze emphasized that such a system would provide equitable access to medical care for all citizens, removing advantages currently afforded to some through their…
July 7, 2025
Spahn Welcomes Potential Inquiry
Jens Spahn, parliamentary group leader for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has stated he approaches the possibility of a parliamentary inquiry committee into the “mask affair” with equanimity. Responding to questions regarding concerns about such a committee, Spahn told “Stern” magazine that he does not fear it. He indicated that an inquiry…
July 7, 2025
Germany Urges Caution on Taliban Talks
A leading figure within the German Green Party has urged Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz to rein in Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, following the minister’s recent actions regarding asylum seekers and proposed negotiations with the Taliban. Konstantin von Notz, Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair of the Greens, voiced his concerns in a…
July 7, 2025
Von der Leyen Defends EU Pandemic Response
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has defended her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during a parliamentary session ahead of a vote of no confidence in the European Parliament. Addressing members of parliament in Strasbourg on Monday, von der Leyen characterized Europe’s response to the pandemic as “successful” recalling the challenging…
