Newsflash

Germany and EU allies back tougher asylum measures, including deportations to Afghanistan and Syria

European nations are taking a harder line on asylum policies, with Germany and five allied countries agreeing to stricter measures, including resuming deportations to Afghanistan and Syria. The decision, reached at a meeting atop Germany’s Zugspitze mountain, aims to curb illegal migration and reduce social tensions across the continent. The ministers backed plans for third-country asylum processing and enhanced border enforcement, signaling a significant shift from the open-border policies of the past.

The agreement, which requires EU approval, includes removing legal barriers to transferring rejected asylum seekers to secure centers outside the EU and enabling asylum procedures in third countries. Germany, under its new government, has already implemented curbs on migration, such as suspending family reunification and resettlement programs, to address voter concerns and counter the rise of far-right parties. On the day of the agreement, Germany deported 81 Afghan men to Afghanistan, underscoring its commitment to tougher asylum policies.

The ministers emphasized the need to combat smugglers and dismantle human trafficking networks, proposing increased use of drones and more EU funding for border infrastructure and personnel. They also agreed to reject asylum seekers who have already been granted protection in another EU country if they apply elsewhere within the bloc. Poland, one of the participating countries, expressed readiness to lift internal border controls once external borders are secured.

The move represents a stark contrast to Germany's 2015 decision to open its borders to nearly a million refugees, a policy that reshaped European politics. The new measures aim to address the perceived overburdening of European countries by illegal migration and to mitigate the resulting social polarization. 🇪🇺🚨

Inside Budapest’s banned Pride march

On June 28, nearly 200,000 people defiantly took to the streets of Budapest to celebrate Pride, despite a ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The marchers, joined by supporters from across Europe, braved potential fines to protest the ongoing repression of LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary and to advocate for the right to peaceful assembly. The event was more than just a show of solidarity; it served as a powerful statement against Orbán's conservative policies, just a year before the next legislative elections.

The Pride march in Budapest was a significant moment that could potentially reshape Hungary's political landscape. Participants came together to challenge the government's restrictive measures and to demand greater freedoms and rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The event highlighted the growing resistance to Orbán's authoritarian tendencies and the determination of Hungarians to fight for their democratic values. 🏳️‍🌈🇭🇺

Is Trump’s shift on Ukraine good news for Europe?

The recent shift in President Trump's stance on Ukraine has sparked significant debate and concern across Europe. Trump's new approach, which prioritizes business deals over traditional alliances and democratic values, has left European leaders grappling with the implications for continental security and stability. The U.S. president's decision to avoid imposing fresh sanctions on Russia, despite its ongoing aggression in Ukraine, signals a potential withdrawal of American support for European security interests. This shift comes at a critical time, as Russia continues to escalate tensions, particularly along Europe's eastern border.

The absence of a firm U.S. commitment to European security has raised alarms in Brussels and national capitals alike. European leaders are now faced with the daunting task of bolstering their own defenses and reducing dependence on American military support. This challenge is compounded by the fact that many European countries struggle to meet even the current NATO defense spending target of 2% of GDP, with some discussions already underway to increase this target to 3%.

Moreover, Trump's threat of imposing 30% tariffs on European goods has added another layer of complexity to transatlantic relations. Such a move could have severe economic repercussions for Europe, further straining an already fragile partnership. European leaders must now navigate these geopolitical and economic challenges while striving to maintain a united front against external threats.

In this evolving landscape, Europe's ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial. The continent may need to explore new defense initiatives, such as a European Rearmament Bank or a European Defense Mechanism, to enhance its strategic autonomy. Additionally, fostering stronger ties with other like-minded democracies could help counterbalance the shifting dynamics of U.S. foreign policy. Ultimately, Europe's response to Trump's shift on Ukraine will shape the continent's future security architecture and its role in a rapidly changing global order. 🌍🏛️

Poland asks EU Parliament to strip far-right leader Braun of immunity over further alleged crimes

Poland has formally requested that the European Parliament lift the legal immunity of far-right MEP Grzegorz Braun to face charges for alleged hate crimes and vandalism. The move comes amid a series of legal troubles for Braun, who has been accused of anti-Jewish, anti-LGBT+, and anti-Ukrainian actions during and after his recent presidential campaign. Prosecutor General Adam Bodnar submitted a request to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, seeking permission to prosecute Braun for four specific incidents. These include the theft of a Ukrainian flag, the desecration of an EU flag, defamatory remarks about a Jewish commemoration event, and the destruction of an LGBT+ exhibition in the Polish parliament. Braun, who finished fourth in the presidential election, is already facing charges for attacking a Jewish religious celebration in parliament and other offenses.

Bodnar condemned Braun's actions as a "display of ostentatious disregard for legal and social norms," stating that such behavior will not go unpunished. In total, Braun is now accused of 17 criminal offenses, with the latest charges carrying potential prison sentences. Additionally, Braun is under investigation for claiming that the gas chambers at Auschwitz are "fake" and promoting the antisemitic conspiracy theory of ritual murder. The far-right politician's actions have sparked widespread condemnation and highlight the ongoing struggle against extremism in Poland. 🇵🇱🚫

Energy Community hails independence from Russian resources

The European Union is taking significant steps to sever its energy ties with Russia, emphasizing that it will not allow energy to be used as a tool against it or to support Russia's war efforts. At an informal Energy Community ministerial meeting in Athens, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen announced that the EU is actively working on banning the import of Russian natural gas. Jorgensen has proposed relevant measures, which are currently under negotiation in the European Parliament and Council.

Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou expressed pride in the EU's progress towards energy independence from Russia, highlighting the collective effort to reduce reliance on Russian natural gas. This strategic shift underscores the EU's commitment to enhancing its energy security and reducing its vulnerability to geopolitical pressures. The move is part of a broader initiative to diversify energy sources and strengthen the EU's resilience against external threats. 🌍💨

Trump is doing something no one wants

In a striking display of diplomatic brinkmanship, U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened Brazil with steep tariffs, ostensibly to protest the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. This move, while dramatic, overshadowed a more significant development: a Chinese-Brazilian agreement to build a transcontinental rail line, symbolizing China's growing influence and the U.S.'s waning global dominance. This incident highlights the contrasting approaches of the two superpowers, with China offering economic cooperation and the U.S. resorting to threats and political meddling.

Trump's actions have exacerbated a longstanding foreign policy dilemma for the U.S.: how to gracefully transition from its role as the sole superpower while maintaining influence and protecting its interests. Instead of offering a strategic vision, Trump has responded with tantrums and tariffs, further straining international relations. This approach risks alienating countries like Brazil, which prefer a multipolar world with open competition rather than choosing sides between hegemons.

Brazil, a vast and economically significant nation, exemplifies this preference. It has deepened ties with China, its largest trading partner, while maintaining strong economic and diplomatic relations with the U.S. and the EU. Brazil's strategy of hedging its bets is evident in its participation in the BRICS group, which includes both U.S. allies and adversaries. Despite Trump's antagonism, Brazil has resisted turning BRICS into an anti-American bloc, understanding that both China and the U.S. are indispensable partners.

Trump's aggressive stance, driven partly by domestic politics, has backfired, rallying Brazilians around President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Moreover, it has underscored a broader global concern: that the U.S., under Trump, poses a greater threat to the international order than China. This perception is a stark contrast to the U.S.'s historical role as a champion of democracy and multilateralism.

The current dynamics set a worrying precedent. Lula, while cautious, has not backed down from Trump's threats, indicating a shift in global power dynamics. The U.S., under Trump, seems committed to a path of dominance and confrontation, risking a return to a world of proxy wars and great power competition. Many countries, however, do not want this outcome, preferring a more cooperative and egalitarian global order. The challenge for the U.S. is to adapt to this changing landscape, leveraging its influence to shape a new multipolar world that respects the interests and aspirations of all nations. 🌍💥

Copenhagen ex-public employee arrested for suspected leak of address data

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Denmark for allegedly selling sensitive personal data from the national CPR database to criminals. The suspect is accused of accessing and sharing the information of 1,742 individuals, including full names, addresses, dates of birth, marital status, and historical addresses. The man is also suspected of extortion for sharing personal data of 66 people via Telegram and Signal, and of aiding in an attempted murder in Herning by providing information about the target.

The national special crime unit, NSK, confirmed the arrest and emphasized the severity of the data breach, stating that the leaked information could have facilitated other criminal activities. Copenhagen Municipality has begun notifying affected individuals and is taking the breach extremely seriously. The suspect has admitted to illegally obtaining personal information but denies the extortion and attempted murder charges. He was placed in preliminary detention following a closed-door court hearing. The investigation suggests that the leaked data may have been used to plan attempted killings within organized crime circles. 🚔💻

Risk of fires 'very high' across much of Sweden

Sweden is currently facing a significant risk of forest and land fires, particularly in the Norrland region, where the danger is rated "very high to extremely high." The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) warns that fires could easily start from campfires, machinery sparks, or lightning strikes, with the high risk persisting until around 11:00 PM on Friday. Additionally, the southeast coast, including major cities like Stockholm, Uppsala, and Kalmar, is under a "locally high to very high" fire risk.

The ongoing hot weather is expected to continue through the weekend and into next week, exacerbating the fire danger. SMHI meteorologist Maria Svedestig advises residents in affected areas to exercise extreme caution with outdoor fires and heavy machinery, and to check local fire bans. She emphasizes the need for continuous, heavy rainfall to mitigate the risk, which is currently not expected. To conserve water, residents are urged to avoid unnecessary water usage, such as long showers or lawn watering. For the latest information on fire bans, residents can consult the Krisinformation.se website, which lists municipalities with active restrictions. 🔥🌳

Lithuanian vice minister: Air defense should not be strengthened at the expense of other capabilities

Lithuania's Defense Ministry has no plans to alter its defense acquisition strategy to prioritize air defense, despite recent incursions by Russian-made drones. Deputy Defense Minister Karolis Aleksa emphasized that discussions on this matter are not underway and would not be prudent. He assured that anti-drone measures can be funded through existing resources, as they do not demand substantial investments. Surveillance systems and radars, he noted, are relatively affordable. 🛸

The opposition conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats has called for enhancing Lithuania’s air defense capabilities and establishing a separate budget for this purpose. The party's leader, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, suggested deprioritizing the purchase of Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport planes and splitting the procurement of tanks to focus on air defense systems. However, Aleksa countered that dismantling comprehensive defense capabilities is not necessary, as all planned acquisitions, including the transport planes, are crucial for national security. 🛩️

Lithuania intends to invest up to €2 billion in air defense systems by 2030, with a significant portion allocated to munitions. Around €200 million is designated for anti-drone measures. Aleksa stressed that some anti-drone solutions are financially feasible and can be implemented efficiently, without compromising other critical defense needs. The ministry's approach aims to maintain a balanced and comprehensive defense strategy. 💰

OPINION: Politicising Germany's Constitutional Court is a dangerous game

In a move that could have significant implications for Germany's political landscape, a vote on the appointment of three new judges to the Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe was abruptly deferred last week. The delay occurred because a sufficient number of conservative party members (CDU/CSU) indicated they would not support Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, a prominent public law professor, potentially jeopardizing her chances of securing the required two-thirds majority. The postponement was seen as necessary to avoid another unprecedented failure in the Bundestag, which has already seen several notable firsts this year, including a majority secured with the AfD and a botched vote for Chancellor.

The Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe holds a unique and crucial position in German society, enjoying a high level of trust and respect across the political spectrum. It serves as the ultimate arbiter on legal and constitutional matters, with the authority to interpret laws and protect citizens' rights. The court's independence and impartiality are safeguarded by a nomination process that involves parties in government on a rotational basis, ensuring a diverse range of opinions and expertise on the bench.

However, the recent events surrounding Brosius-Gersdorf's nomination highlight a breakdown in the usual consensus-building process. Despite pre-vote consultations, the CDU/CSU failed to recognize internal reservations about Brosius-Gersdorf and did not adequately address them with their coalition partners. This incident underscores the growing instability within the CDU/CSU and the broader dysfunction in German politics, mirroring similar issues in other Western democracies.

Adding to the complexity, Brosius-Gersdorf faced a targeted disinformation campaign, with baseless accusations circulating about her alleged extremist views and plagiarism. This campaign, fueled by right-wing media outlets, contributed to the hesitancy among some CDU/CSU members. Brosius-Gersdorf has since taken to public platforms to defend her record, further highlighting the politicization of the process.

The potential damage to the Constitutional Court's reputation and authority is a cause for concern. Historical examples from the UK and the U.S. illustrate the dangers of delegitimizing the judiciary, leading to internal strife and a loss of international standing. In Germany, the court serves as the final guardian of the rule of law, and its decisions must be respected by all. Allowing the court to become a political battleground could undermine its effectiveness and the broader consensus that supports it.

To preserve the court's integrity, it is essential to shield it from unnecessary controversy and maintain its independence. The current situation calls for a renewed commitment to the principles that have long guided the appointment of Constitutional Court judges, ensuring that the court remains a trusted and impartial institution. As Germany navigates these challenges, the importance of a strong and respected Constitutional Court cannot be overstated. 🇩🇪🏛️

Denmark wants to allow airports to shoot down drones

In response to escalating security threats posed by drones, Denmark's Ministry of Transport has proposed a new security law that would authorize airports and ports to neutralize drones deemed dangerous. Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen has initiated the consultation phase for this proposal, which aims to empower public authorities and infrastructure operators to take decisive action against non-compliant drones in designated "drone zones."

The proposed law would allow authorities to jam signals or physically neutralize drones, including by shooting them down, if they pose a threat to critical infrastructure. This move comes amid a surge in drone-related incidents, with a notable increase in drones flying too high or too close to airports, as reported by the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority. Recent events, such as unidentified drones near Køge and repeated airspace closures at Aalborg Airport due to illegal drone flights, underscore the urgency of addressing this growing concern. The proposed legislation seeks to enhance public safety and protect vital infrastructure from potential drone-related threats. 🛬️🚨

Greek owner of cocaine-loaded vessel seized in 2023 denies charges, lawyer says

A Greek man, his son, and a woman have been detained in Greece on charges related to an international drug trafficking operation involving a cargo ship seized in Spain in 2023. The vessel, Blume, was intercepted off the Canary Islands with over four tons of cocaine, valued at approximately $200 million, hidden among coffee beans. The ship, originally Greek-operated and flying the Togo flag, had sailed from Brazil to Russia. The detainees, including the 68-year-old former owner of the ship and his 24-year-old son, deny any involvement in drug trafficking, according to their lawyer, Sakis Kehagioglou. The crew members have already been convicted in connection with the case. A fourth suspect is believed to be in Turkey.

The investigation revealed that Blume was under surveillance before its interception. British authorities were alerted to the suspected drug operation in September 2022, leading Spanish police to scrutinize the ship's records and identify it as a potential vessel for ship-to-ship drug transfers. Spanish authorities raided the ship on January 18, 2023, discovering 153 bags of cocaine in a crew member's cabin and a storage room. The Greek investigation found that the ship was purchased in 2022 by Rentoor Chartering and operated by Dignatio Corp, both Marshall Islands-based companies established by the 68-year-old suspect, a former police officer with a criminal history. The ship was later sold to a Turkish company in May. The main investigation and potential trial are expected to confirm the innocence of the detained individuals, according to their lawyer. 🚢💨

ETIAS: Fee for European travel authorisation set to increase to €20

The European Union is implementing significant changes to its border control measures with the introduction of two new systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems aim to enhance security and streamline travel for non-EU nationals.

ETIAS, operational by the last quarter of 2026, will require non-EU nationals who can travel to the Schengen area without a visa to apply for an online travel authorization before departure. Applicants will need to provide personal information and pay a €20 fee, valid for three years. Exemptions apply to those under 18 and over 70. This fee adjustment accounts for inflation and operational costs, aligning it with similar programs like the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the US's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The EES, set to begin phased rollout in October 2025, will enhance passport checks with biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans. Both systems apply to travelers from non-EU or non-Schengen countries and have exemptions for non-EU citizens residing in the EU or Schengen zone. The implementation timeline for ETIAS may be adjusted based on the smooth operation of the EES. These changes are part of the EU's broader effort to strengthen security and facilitate travel within the Union. 🛂🇪🇺

OPEKEPE scandal triggers asset seizures, expected soon

The Organized Crime Directorate (DAOE) in Greece is poised to initiate asset seizures within the next two weeks against individuals who illicitly obtained EU agricultural subsidies through OPEKEPE, the country's farm payments agency. This move comes as a significant political challenge for the ruling conservative New Democracy government, which is grappling with the fallout from the scandal.

Under a newly enacted law, prosecutors overseeing DAOE investigations can now order asset seizures even during the preliminary investigation phase. This legal change has allowed the Hellenic Police to access OPEKEPE’s extensive database, which contains approximately 650,000 VAT numbers linked to subsidy recipients. Authorities will scrutinize these tax IDs using specific risk indicators to pinpoint those who received payments without proper entitlement. For flagged cases, asset seizures will commence immediately.

To avoid property confiscation, affected farmers and livestock breeders have the option to voluntarily return the fraudulently obtained funds. Doing so will exempt them from criminal liability. The first wave of asset seizures is anticipated to begin in August, marking a crucial step in addressing the widespread fraud within the agricultural subsidy system. 🇬🇷💸

ETIAS: Fee for European travel authorisation set to increase to €20

The European Union is implementing significant changes to its border control measures with the introduction of two new systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems aim to enhance security and streamline travel for non-EU nationals.

ETIAS, set to become operational in the last quarter of 2026, will require non-EU nationals who can currently travel to the Schengen area without a visa to apply for an online travel authorization before departure. Applicants will need to provide personal information and pay a €20 fee for a three-year authorization, with exemptions for those under 18 and over 70. This fee aligns with similar programs in the UK and the US. The ETIAS is designed to strengthen EU security while facilitating travel for non-EU nationals.

The EES, scheduled for a phased rollout starting in October 2025, will enhance passport checks by requiring biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans. Both systems will apply to travelers from non-EU or non-Schengen zone countries, with exemptions for non-EU citizens residing in the EU or Schengen zone. These changes, initially planned for 2018, have faced delays due to the pandemic and infrastructure concerns, particularly at busy borders like the UK-France crossing. The EU aims to ensure a smooth implementation of these systems to bolster security and manage travel efficiently. 🛂🌍

Telia sale of LMT and Tet stakes in Latvia could be signed by year's end

The Latvian government and Sweden's Telia have agreed in principle to sell Telia's stakes in Latvian telecommunications companies LMT and Tet to the Latvian state. The state-owned energy company, Latvenergo, will facilitate the deal and plans to attract an international tech investor to support the companies' future growth and eventual public listing. The memorandum of understanding outlines the next steps and goals, but the deal is far from finalized and could take longer than initially predicted due to volatile financial markets.

Both Latvenergo and the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) expressed confidence in reaching a final agreement by the first half of 2026. They will fund the acquisition using their own investment budgets, with no additional state funds required. Latvenergo sees potential in the convergence of energy and telecommunications, highlighting the increasing demand for electricity from data centers. The companies aim to merge LMT and Tet, creating a single provider that offers comprehensive services to customers.

Telia's Director of Mergers and Acquisitions, Andreas Ekström, expressed satisfaction with the agreement and Telia's commitment to completing the sale. However, details about the size of the stake to be sold, the price, and technical specifics remain undisclosed. The final agreement is targeted for the end of 2025, with the transaction expected to close in the first half of 2026. 📱💡

Sweden loosens textile waste rules as recycling centres 'overwhelmed'

Starting October 1st, Sweden will enforce new regulations mandating the separate collection and recycling of textiles, aligning with a broader EU directive that also covers glass, paper, and food waste. This initiative aims to divert textiles from landfills, with sorted items either reused or repurposed into padding, insulation, or composite materials. However, the sudden influx of textile waste has overwhelmed recycling centers across Sweden and other EU countries, leading to increased sorting costs and operational challenges.

The Swedish government has clarified which textiles must be sorted and which can be discarded, such as torn socks, stained items, and overly worn clothes. Humana Sverige, a major player in used clothing collection and resale, has reported a dramatic increase in textile donations, forcing the organization to close 600 of its 1,300 collection points to manage the surge. The issue extends beyond Sweden, as sorting centers across Europe struggle to cope with the heightened volume of damaged clothes. This regulatory shift, while environmentally beneficial, has presented immediate logistical and financial hurdles for waste management systems. 🇸🇪🧺

Germany's immigrant wage gap affects the next generation, study says

A recent international study published in Nature has shed light on the persistent wage gap between immigrants and native-born populations in Western nations, with a particular focus on Germany. The research, involving data from 13.5 million workers across nine high-income countries, reveals that structural barriers, rather than direct discrimination, are the primary cause of this enduring gap.

In Germany, first-generation immigrants earn an average of 19.6% less than their native-born counterparts, a figure slightly higher than the 18% average across the studied countries. The wage gap is largely due to limited access to better-paid jobs, industries, and companies, with only a small fraction attributable to direct pay discrimination. This gap persists into the second generation, with second-generation immigrants in Germany earning 7.7% less than their peers, a figure above the cross-country average and particularly wide for descendants of immigrants from Africa and the Middle East.

The study underscores the need for comprehensive integration policies to address structural barriers, such as non-recognition of foreign credentials, language barriers, and lack of professional networks. Germany, like other countries, faces significant challenges in this regard, especially as it relies on skilled immigration to counter an aging population. The authors point to Canada as a successful example, where targeted support programs and effective policy tools have dramatically reduced the second-generation wage gap. To achieve similar results, Germany and other nations must prioritize breaking down structural barriers to access well-paid jobs and fostering greater economic integration for immigrants and their families. 💼🌍

Afghan asylum seekers awarded compensation for mistreatment by Polish border guards

Two Afghan asylum seekers who crossed the border from Belarus into Poland in August 2021 have each been awarded 5,000 zloty (€1,177) in compensation for their mistreatment by Polish border guards. The incident occurred during a migration crisis, where Belarus facilitated the irregular crossing of tens of thousands of individuals, primarily from Africa and Asia. After crossing the border, the Afghans requested refugee status but were instead driven back towards the border at night and abandoned in a marshy area of Białowieża Forest.

The asylum seekers managed to contact activists the following morning, leading to a search party that included NGOs, a member of parliament, and a journalist. The Afghans were eventually found and allowed to initiate asylum proceedings, with both now residing outside Poland. In 2022, a court in Hajnówka ruled that the border guards' actions were "unjustified and unlawful," as the asylum applications were not initially accepted. The district court in Białystok recently upheld this ruling, granting each asylum seeker 5,000 zloty in compensation. This decision can still be appealed.

The case highlights ongoing controversies surrounding Poland's border policies, with critics arguing that the government's pushback measures and ban on asylum claims for irregular border crossings violate international law and the Polish constitution. Human rights groups, including the UNHCR and Poland's own human rights commissioner, have condemned these practices. Despite these criticisms, Poland's parliament has extended the ban on asylum claims, with support from all political groups except the left. 🇵🇱🚧

Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Friday

Germany and the UK have strengthened their defense ties and agreed to intensify efforts against migrant smuggling gangs. During German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first official visit to the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Germany will amend its laws to allow the seizure of small boats used for migrant crossings in the English Channel. This move aims to disrupt smuggling operations by targeting warehouses and storage facilities used to conceal these vessels. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to supply weapons to Kyiv with funding from other NATO countries.

Meanwhile, Berlin's public transportation system faces significant challenges. The U1 line has seen reduced service due to a shortage of drivers, with every third train canceled during the day and every second train in the evening. The BVG, Berlin's transport company, has hired 800 new employees this year but still struggles with operational issues, including longer break times for workers and aging infrastructure. The U4 line has also been running with reduced frequency for months due to similar staffing problems.

In Germany, the birth rate has fallen to 1.35 children per woman, marking a two percent decrease from the previous year. This decline, though slower than in recent years, is attributed to multiple crises, including the war in Ukraine, economic instability, climate concerns, inflation, and the rise of right-wing populism. Experts suggest that previous investments in family policy, such as parental allowance and childcare, had helped increase birth rates in the past.

Lieferando, a major food delivery service in Germany, plans to lay off around 2,000 drivers by the end of the year, with many of the job cuts occurring in Hamburg. The company intends to outsource a portion of its last-mile deliveries to subcontractors, following a trend seen among competitors like Uber Eats and Wolt. The Food, Beverages and Catering Union (NGG) has criticized the move, advocating for better working conditions and a minimum wage of £15 per hour for Lieferando employees.

In international news, the family of a 19-year-old Franco-German cyclist detained in Iran has demanded proof of his well-being and insisted on his innocence. Lennart Monterlos was arrested while on a bike trip from Europe to Asia, and his family has received no official information about his detention or the reasons behind it. Iran is known to hold approximately 20 Europeans in detention, adding to the concern over Monterlos' situation. 🚨🚲