US intelligence may have known about the preparations for blowing up the Nord Stream gas pipelines at an early stage of planning. A Ukrainian team allegedly shared its intentions with the CIA, which initially did not object, and then tried to avert the attack.
Germany's highest criminal court has kept a suspect in the Nord Stream sabotage in custody, publicly accusing Ukraine for the first time. The court stated that the explosions were carried out "on behalf of a foreign state," referring to Ukraine.
In 2025, the number of initial asylum applications in Germany decreased by 51% compared to 2024, reaching 113,236 applications. This is explained by increased border controls, the suspension of family reunification, and a change of regime in Syria, as well as a 20% increase in deportations.
Unknown individuals stole approximately 20,000 cartridges intended for the German Armed Forces from a civilian truck near Magdeburg. The theft occurred due to a breach of security requirements during transportation, as the cargo was left unattended.
Two weeks after the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, the administration is introducing restrictions on visits. Tickets are now only available online for a specific time due to the huge influx of visitors.
German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil called for a complete ban on Russian steel imports, including steel billets processed in the EU. He emphasized the need to strengthen European patriotism and support domestic steel production.
The Black Forest Clock Association, which unites over 50 manufacturers, dealers, and collectors, has applied for UNESCO cultural heritage status for the cuckoo clock. This move is aimed at protecting the 175-year-old tradition and symbolism of the Black Forest, as the market is weakening and some businesses have already closed.
Heavy rains caused extensive flooding in Ibiza and Formentera, with Ibiza airport temporarily closed and 24 flights canceled. Authorities urge people to stay home, the military is helping to pump out water, and lightning has cut power to hundreds of households.
The European Commission is investigating allegations of Hungarian espionage against European institutions. An international journalistic investigation uncovered a network of secret agents operating through Hungary's Permanent Representation to the EU.
American actor George Clooney is raising his eight-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, on a farm in France. He aims to protect them from paparazzi and comparisons to celebrity children, providing an analog life without iPads.
Signal messenger head Meredith Whittaker stated that the app is ready to leave the EU if a law is passed that allows authorities to bypass encryption to check private messages. This concerns the fight against the spread of child sexual abuse material, but Signal, WhatsApp, and Threema oppose such measures.
The White House announced that any armed attack on Qatar is a threat to US security, providing the Persian Gulf emirate with far-reaching guarantees. This came three weeks after an Israeli airstrike on Hamas targets in Doha. President Trump signed an executive order authorizing diplomatic, economic, and military measures.
At the Celle airbase in Lower Saxony, unknown individuals fired a pyrotechnic device at a C-130 transport aircraft. The aircraft was not damaged, and the military and local police are investigating the incident.
The number of refugees in Germany decreased by 50,000 people in the first half of 2025, reaching 3. 495 million. The reasons for the reduction were deportations, voluntary departures, and naturalization, including over 83,000 Syrians who received citizenship.
In northern Germany, due to a fire in a distribution board and a car accident that damaged the tracks, train traffic between Hanover and Berlin will be delayed until Monday. The incidents led to the stoppage of an ICE train with 900 passengers, who waited for several hours on the open track.
Robert Habeck, Vice-Chancellor of the Scholz government, announced his resignation from the Bundestag effective September 1, 2025. He plans to pursue research and teaching abroad, aiming to distance himself from Berlin politics.
A Ukrainian citizen, Serhiy K. , has been detained in Italy on suspicion of involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. He was allegedly on board the sailboat used by the attackers.
In Germany, the number of asylum applications has significantly decreased, with 70,011 initial applications registered from January to July. This is almost 50% less than in the same period last year.
Documents have been found in the archives of the German Foreign Ministry confirming Putin's territorial claims to Crimea, eastern Ukraine, and Kazakhstan as early as 1994. The former German Consul General in St. Petersburg reported that Putin stated these territories belonged to Russia.
Germany has approved a preliminary request for the supply of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey. The aircraft, a joint project of BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo, will be built in the United Kingdom with German components.
German politicians have called on the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution to put the far-left Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance party under surveillance. The reason for this was the party's actions, which include defending a pro-Russian propagandist and supporting an organization suspected of financing terrorism.
In Germany, police discovered over 300 kg of the synthetic stimulant Captagon, valued at over 20 million euros, in a vegetable shop. The drugs were hidden in seed pallets, marking one of the largest seizures of its kind in the country.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi announced his intention to allow IAEA inspectors to work in the country after the end of hostilities with Israel. Tehran is ready to continue cooperation with the IAEA, but in a "new form", after attacks on nuclear facilities.
Germany's Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, spoke out against abolishing the permissible blood alcohol limit for drivers, which is 0. 5 per mille. He considers this limit sufficient but expressed a critical attitude towards cannabis consumption by drivers.
John Travolta, 71, reprised his role as Danny Zuko at the 'Grease Sing-A-Long' event at the Hollywood Bowl, surprising the cast. This performance took place almost 50 years after the musical's release.
The German military considers Russia to be an "existential threat" to the country and Europe, according to a new strategic document from the Bundeswehr. The document indicates that the Kremlin is preparing for a large-scale conflict with NATO by the end of the decade.
The European Union has summoned the Russian ambassador for explanations after the attack on an EU diplomat in Vladivostok on May 26. It is reported that the official was attacked by two men, allegedly linked to Russian security services.
The Prime Minister of Israel informed the German Chancellor about the strike on Iran. Merz reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense and called on Iran to stop developing nuclear weapons.
Martin Jäger, the German ambassador to Ukraine, will become the new head of the BND. A reorganization of the service and an increase in funding are expected, which should speed up the collection of intelligence.
Reports about the President canceling his participation in the ceremony in Aachen due to the threat of an offensive in the Sumy region are not true.
