Results for "German Bund"

The German Bundesmarine successfully fired a ballistic missile from a frigate in the North Atlantic for the first time, marking a significant escalation in European naval deterrence capabilities against Russia.

Three members of the German Bundestag have formally withdrawn from the BSW faction in the Thuringia state parliament, altering the region's legislative balance.

The German Bundesmarine has publicly stated that Russian naval activities in the Baltic Sea have become increasingly hostile and destabilizing.

The German Bundeswehr has launched an innovative recruitment campaign, utilizing kebab wrappers to attract new personnel. This creative approach aims to reach a broader audience for military enlistment.

The number of troops in the German Bundeswehr has reached its highest level in 13 years, indicating a significant increase in military personnel.

The German Bundeswehr will support the UN mission in Haiti with air transport to help move equipment. The UN mission, approved last year, aims to combat criminal gangs controlling large parts of the country.

An article responds to Navid Kermani's speech on conscientious objection, clarifying that the German Bundestag, not individual soldiers, makes decisions regarding military deployments and responsibilities.

Alexander Hoffmann, head of the Christian Social Union (CSU) regional group in the German Bundestag, has called for a bilateral intergovernmental agreement with Ukraine on sharing its technological capabilities.

Dozens of German Bundeswehr soldiers are assisting in the creation of the "East Shield" defense on Poland's border with the Kaliningrad Oblast, a move commented on by Prime Minister Tusk.

A majority in the German Bundestag opposes legalizing surrogacy, with CDU, CSU, AfD, and many Green and Left party members advocating for its continued prohibition.

The German Bundeswehr is now interested in the former Ray Barracks in Friedberg, one of the last conversion projects in Hesse, where the city had planned a green building area.

The German Bundeswehr is using 'Discovery Days' to engage young people and inspire them to join the armed forces, with visits to officer schools.

The German Bundestag is set to address the new railway line project connecting Mannheim and Frankfurt, with a focus on additional requests from the region.

A member of the German Bundestag asserted that a ceasefire in Ukraine would not lead to a return to normal relations with Russia. This statement emphasizes the lasting impact of the conflict on international ties.

The number of suspected right-wing extremist incidents within the German Bundeswehr has slightly increased, with 302 reports in the past year compared to 280 in 2024.

Former Czech President Václav Klaus and Speaker Tomio Okamura spoke at a conference organized by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the German Bundestag, where Klaus condemned the demonization of the party.

The German Bundestag has passed legislation implementing an EU directive aimed at combating the throwaway mentality by establishing a right to repair for electronic devices. The liveblog also covers agreements on financial relief for states and debates on organ donation.

The German Bundestag is debating an opt-out system for organ donation, which is presented as a legally possible, ethically legitimate, and ultimately recommendable reform.

The newly formed Lithuania Brigade of the German Bundeswehr is conducting its first combat exercises with hundreds of soldiers on NATO's Eastern flank, practicing for a serious scenario.

A podcast investigates the readiness of the German Bundeswehr, which aims to be defense-capable by the end of the decade. Insiders warn of a massive backlog in repairs for armored vehicles, raising concerns about its operational status.

An article delves into the history of allowances for members of the German Bundestag, noting that in 1950, the allowances were considered too high by some, and in 1975, a court clarified that a Bundestag mandate is not an honorary position.

While the German Bundestag plans to forgo a salary increase this year, members of the Hessian State Parliament will see their allowances rise as scheduled on July 1. Officials in Wiesbaden stated that the current system has proven effective.

The German Bundeswehr is increasingly registering drones over military installations and critical infrastructure in Germany. At the ILA air show in Schönefeld, the concrete nature of this threat and protection measures are a key focus.

A fierce verbal confrontation erupted in the German Bundestag between Friedrich Merz and representatives of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, reportedly over statements concerning Ukraine.

The first debate in the Bundestag on the Building Modernization Law was controversial, with Minister Reiche speaking of 'freedom in heating' while the AfD criticized it as a 'heating hammer through the back door'.

Dritan Abazović, President of URA, and Peter Bajer, a member of the German Bundestag, discussed the critical importance of reviving the European Union's enlargement policy.

With over 8,000 people awaiting organ transplants in Germany, two cross-party groups in the Bundestag are advocating for reforms to increase organ donation rates, each with different approaches.

Four years after Germany's 'Zeitenwende' (turning point) initiative, the rearmament efforts of the Bundeswehr are revealing structural weaknesses, with the military reportedly purchasing familiar equipment rather than what is truly needed.

The German Bundestag's Scientific Service has voiced significant concerns that a proposed law in the state of Hesse, which aims to criminalize the denial of Israel's right to exist, might conflict with Germany's constitution.

China has criticized the visit of a German Bundestag delegation to Taiwan, reiterating its stance on the island's sovereignty.

The German Bundestag is discussing proposals to allow parents to receive child benefits without complicated applications. However, the Family Minister's considerations for cuts to parental allowance are drawing criticism.

The German Bundestag held its first reading of the sports promotion law, while Berlin's plans to host the Olympics received a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives.

A promotion pause within a career group in the German Bundeswehr is causing deep unrest, partly due to unusual communication surrounding the decision.

German Bundestag members have decided to forgo a salary increase, a move interpreted as a victory for populists, including those outside the AfD.

A heated discussion is taking place in the German Bundestag regarding a draft law on accessibility, which faces rejection from various groups, including people with disabilities, due to controversial exceptions for private companies.

SDS President Branko Blanuša met with German Bundestag member Peter Beyer in Sarajevo and Banja Luka to discuss the possibility of the EU re-evaluating its financial support for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the Bundestag last week, there was affirmative talk about Montenegro as a country that should be an example to other candidates, with the remark that reforms are the only true measure of…

The Signal messenger, widely used by politicians for its security, has reportedly suffered multiple account hacks, with German Bundestag President Klöckner allegedly among those affected by a phishing scheme.

A suggestion from the German Bundeswehr to consider reservists up to 70 years old has sparked discussion, raising questions about the implications for the retirement age.

The German Bundestag has approved a new premium for electric vehicles, which will be applied retroactively starting from January 2026. This decision aims to incentivize the adoption of electric cars.

The German Bundestag is debating a proposed fuel tax discount of 17 cents per liter, set to begin in May. The measure has drawn criticism from the opposition, who have called it a 'crazy idea.'

Germany's Bundeswehr requires tens of thousands of new beds and billions in funding for its dilapidated bases, with the expansion gaining momentum as part of the country's 'Zeitenwende' defense overhaul.

The German Bundeswehr has clarified that under the new conscription law, individuals are not required to deregister before leaving, addressing concerns that arose from the new legislation.

The head of the German Bundesbank has broken his silence, issuing stark warnings about Germany's escalating debt, a rare public stance on daily politics from the central bank.

NATO is preparing for future drone warfare, with next-generation AI-controlled, autonomous drones being developed in Munich and already ordered by the German Bundeswehr.

The German private pension provision, known as Riester-Rente, is undergoing reform, with the Bundestag now approving changes to the scheme, building on earlier suggestions for improvements.

The German Bundeswehr appears to have learned from past mistakes with the F-126 frigate project, adopting a more pragmatic approach with the acquisition of four new frigates from a German manufacturer.

German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig is reportedly considering making a permanent offer for Albanian forward Brajan Gruda, who is currently on loan from Brighton, due to his impressive performances.

Four years after their introduction, the German Bundestag is seeking clarity on the ethical and health policy implications of non-invasive prenatal tests for three genetic defects, noting that the decision has not brought much good so far.

The German Bundestag is debating stricter regulations for fuel stations and considering the implementation of a windfall tax on energy companies, measures that could spark significant controversy.

Albanian opposition leaders, including Gazment Bardhi and Jorida Tabaku, held meetings in the Bundestag with German MP Olav Gutting, emphasizing that Albania must make measurable progress in rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, and ensuring fair elections.

Years after a court ruling, the German Bundeswehr is still awaiting new regulations on how soldiers are permitted to wear their hair, despite ongoing global crises.

The German Bundeswehr has prohibited photographing and filming in barracks, making clips of German soldiers taboo since late February for security reasons, specifically mentioning TikTok.

The German Bundestag has decided to abolish the existing Bürgergeld (citizen's income) and introduce a new, significantly stricter system of basic guaranteed income.

An economic viability report suggests the German Bundesbank can give up its 1972-built high-rise headquarters, a move Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel is reportedly open to.

A panel discussion on Bosnia and Herzegovina will be held in the German Bundestag on March 4, organized by the far-right party AfD, and the BiH ambassador to... gave a reaction to this event for Klix.ba.

The German federal government has passed a wage loyalty law aimed at strengthening collective bargaining and ensuring fair competition in public contracts, drawing criticism from business associations over increased bureaucracy.

The German Bundestag is set to decide on a new air security law to counter drone incidents around airports, granting more powers to the Bundeswehr and imposing stricter penalties.

The German Bundeswehr's brigade in Lithuania urgently requires drones, with startups competing for billions in taxpayer money to supply them.

For the first time, the German Bundesmarine launched two Israeli-made LORA ballistic missiles from the Sachsen-Anhalt frigate during a North Atlantic exercise, demonstrating a new long-range strike capability.

Falling demand for U.S. government debt has pushed Treasury yields lower, contrasting sharply with surging German 10-year bund rates that reached a 15-year high. The divergence reflects shifting investor sentiment amid rising global oil prices and varying regional inflation expectations.

Older texts from the 'Heute im Bundestag' portal have been removed from public access because embedded images triggered copyright restrictions.

The German Bundeswehr's health service is now allowing people to apply by scanning QR codes found on kebab wraps across the country, in an effort to attract new recruits.

The German Bundeswehr has successfully met its personnel target for 2026 through voluntary recruitment, but continues to face low response rates in directly addressing young women for service.

Bundesrat President Andreas Bovenschulte expressed confidence in democratic forces winning the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt but stated that the Bundesrat is prepared for the possibility of an AfD government.

The young company Stark Defence has secured a major contract from the German Bundeswehr and is now establishing production facilities outside Munich to manufacture combat drones for the German brigade stationed in Lithuania.

The deployment of the German Bundeswehr brigade to Lithuania has brought the Baltic country into public focus, with the Curonian Spit, a place of longing for German artists and writers, now a symbol of German resolve.

CDU politician Frei from Baden-Württemberg is set to lead the Union parliamentary group in the German Bundestag, succeeding Jens Spahn who resigned due to the 'surrogacy affair.'

Germany's Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament, is advocating for the government to introduce prison sentences for individuals who publicly question Israel's right to exist or call for its destruction.

German federal states are proposing a measure to criminalize the denial of Israel's right to exist, with a push from Berlin to introduce such legislation.

The German Bundestag's budget politicians are concerned about additional burdens of over 27 billion euros per year for Germany and have adopted a resolution to curb the EU Commission's spending plans.

The German Bundeswehr intends to launch four test satellites into space by 2027 to achieve 'war-readiness' in space, with capabilities including disrupting other satellites.

The German Bundestag is set to adopt a revised power plant strategy to combat 'Dunkelflauten' (periods of low wind and solar power), with amendments including higher remuneration, easier battery storage, and incentives for Northeast Germany.

The German Bundeswehr plans to station the 'Arrow' missile defense system in Kaufbeuren to address a gap in its air defense capabilities, with the system being a key component of Germany's strategy.

Czech handball player Tomáš Piroch will continue to play in the top German Bundesliga after transferring to Wetzlar, following his previous team Leipzig's relegation. He expressed his desire to remain in the league.

The German Bundestag is engaged in a significant debate over organ donation reform, with discussions focusing on the 'opt-out' solution. Lawmakers are considering proposals to increase organ donor numbers.

Sepp Müller (CDU) and Wolfgang Stefinger (CSU), both members of the German Bundestag, have married after being a couple for three and a half years.

Dr. Malte Kaufmann, an AfD member of the German Bundestag, has voiced his opposition to a specific initiative being nominated for the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Equality Award.

Following a tentative deal with the US, Iran plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the German Bundeswehr to prepare for a possible deployment to assist with mine-clearing operations.

The German Bundestag is investigating a series of concerning incidents, including insults, physical altercations, and a racist gesture, that occurred during the 'Youth and Parliament' simulation game. Discussions are underway regarding potential consequences and rule changes.

During a working visit to Germany, Montenegrin Defense Minister Dragan Krapović met with German Bundestag member Peter Beyer in Berlin to discuss current security and political topics relevant to Montenegro, reaffirming the country's commitment to NATO obligations and EU membership.

The German Bundesrat has approved a reform that grants pharmacies more powers, allowing them to offer more vaccinations and, in certain cases, dispense prescription medications without a doctor's prescription.

The German Bundestag is set to vote on ethical questions without party discipline, prompting the chairman of the Ethics Council to advise against demonizing majorities formed with the AfD in such debates, highlighting where the concept of a 'firewall' reaches its limits.

Albanian Socialist Party MP Elisa Spiropali began her visit to the Bundestag with a meeting with Peter Beyer, the rapporteur for Albania and head of the friendship group with the Western Balkans, discussing Germany's key support for European integration.

The planned salary increase for members of the German Bundestag, typically scheduled for July, will be canceled this year. Fractions from the Union and SPD, with opposition agreement, intend to keep the current remuneration levels.

Research by WDR, NDR, and SZ indicates that a backlog in repairs and unclear responsibilities at the Bundeswehr service provider HIL are jeopardizing the operational readiness of key weapon systems, potentially impacting alliance commitments.

Volkmar Klein, a former German Bundestag MP from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), expressed his party's strong support for the Democratic Party (PD) during its National Assembly in Albania, emphasizing close alliance.

A CDU/CSU spokesperson stated that support for Ukraine in the German parliament extends beyond the ruling coalition, with virtually no disagreements between coalition partners on foreign policy or Ukraine, except for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ambassador to Germany, Damir Arnaut, addressed the German Bundestag's Subcommittee for Foreign Cultural and Educational Policy, advocating for the elimination of the 'two schools under one roof' concept.

The German Bundestag has approved plans for three new railway lines in the north, east, and south of the country. While financing is still incomplete, construction is not expected to begin for some time.

An exclusive paper from the German Bundestag, obtained by F.A.Z., suggests there is more flexibility than commonly believed in implementing climate protection measures, while also outlining clear limitations.

The German Bundeswehr will deploy a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system to southeastern Turkey, as announced by the German Ministry of Defense, in response to rising tensions in the Middle East.

Half a year after its launch, the Bundeswehr's (German armed forces) app designed to reach reservists is facing significant technical difficulties and has attracted only a meager number of users.

The German Bundestag held a lengthy debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina, with discussions highlighting the country's political fragility and the ongoing threat posed by autonomous aspirations in Republika Srpska. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly facing a crisis of confidence.

Despite Bayern Munich's exit from the Champions League, Harry Kane's recent goal could potentially secure an additional Champions League qualification spot for the German Bundesliga.

The German Bundeswehr is actively recruiting new personnel, including through social media platforms like TikTok, as the Chancellor aims for Germany to build Europe's strongest conventional army.

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has secured a multi-billion euro order from the Bundeswehr for the production of kamikaze drones, following a preliminary agreement signed in Koblenz.

The number of applicants to the German Bundeswehr increased by 20% in the first quarter of 2026, but the military still faces a significant shortage of approximately 50,000 personnel, according to Defense Minister Pistorius.

Newly elected members of the German Bundestag are reportedly growing impatient for the implementation of reforms.

A Ukrainian minister announced that Russia's losses have reached record levels, surpassing its monthly mobilization rates, following a meeting with a German Bundestag security and defense committee delegation.

Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has addressed criticism over a new rule requiring military-aged men to get permission to travel abroad, stating the situation has been fixed despite ongoing concerns.

The German Bundeswehr has announced that its male personnel are now permitted to travel without prior authorization.

The German Bundeswehr is investing 320 million Euros into a former Nazi Ordensburg in Allgäu, a site historically used by the Nazis to train their elite, raising questions about the state's intentions for the historically burdened building.

Germany is once again debating the introduction of a sugar tax on sugary drinks, following a proposal by Schleswig-Holstein's Minister President Daniel Günther to the German Bundesrat. The discussion centers on the health implications of high sugar consumption and the potential effects of such a tax.

The German Bundesrat has cleared the way for easier regulation of wolves, including hunting under strict conditions, in response to thousands of livestock and domestic animals being killed by the predators annually.

Christian Dobrick, a coach from a German Bundesliga club, has reportedly become the first to openly speak about his homosexuality.

Russian satellites are reportedly intercepting unencrypted European communication channels, including those used by the German Bundeswehr, while Europe plans to protect its space infrastructure with laser-equipped satellites.

The spread between Italian BTPs and German Bunds increased by 10 points on Friday, closing at 92 points, marking its highest level since June 2025.

Uudenkaupungin Työvene, a Finnish company, has received an order from the German Bundeswehr for a crew transport vessel, with the purchase price undisclosed for security reasons.

UBS has issued an outlook recommending investors sell two-year Italian government bonds (BTPs) and instead opt for German Bunds, citing concerns over inflation risk.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and German Bundestag President Julia Klöckner discussed strengthening cooperation in the joint production of unmanned aerial vehicles and interceptor drones.

The German Bundesrat is pushing for better legal protection for women against secretly taken sexualized photos and videos, urging the federal government to close loopholes in criminal law.

The German Bundestag has passed changes to the hospital reform, resolving a long-standing dispute between federal and state governments. The opposition has sharply criticized the decision.

The German Bundestag has approved the Bürgergeld (citizen's income) reform. Meanwhile, the Federal Minister of Economics announced a review of fuel price increases, Angela Merkel reflected on her climate policy, and a coalition agreement was reached in Brandenburg.

The Society for Threatened Peoples (GfbV) has expressed concern over a panel discussion announced by the AfD for March 4, 2026, in the German Bundestag, warning it must not become a platform for separatism regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The German Bundestag has voted to implement the European asylum reform (GEAS), aiming to curb illegal migration and streamline procedures through faster processes, stricter controls, and new work rules.

The German Bundestag has amended the Air Security Law, allowing the German army to intercept and shoot down drones, citing increased incidents since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The German Bundestag's budget committee has given the green light for the procurement of combat drones for the Bundeswehr, subject to conditions and stricter spending rules.

The German Bundeswehr is planning a new satellite system, SATCOMBw 4, estimated to cost up to ten billion euros. Airbus is vying for the contract, proposing to establish a new final assembly facility in Germany.

Financial markets widely anticipate a 0.25 percentage point rate hike from the European Central Bank, following signals from the German Bundesbank president.

The English striker has publicly acknowledged ongoing negotiations regarding a potential contract extension with the German Bundesliga club.

Far-right German Bundestag member Maximilian Krah visited Northern Cyprus, meeting with local officials and claiming residents refuse to acknowledge the island's complex political situation.

A persistent issue for the German Bundeswehr flight readiness is that half of government flights depart without passengers. This is because the government is based in Berlin, while the flight readiness unit is stationed in Cologne/Bonn, requiring empty jets to fly to their deployment locations.

A German Bundeswehr government plane has been stationed in the Seychelles for days, prompting questions as no official government trip to the holiday paradise has been announced, with the Ministry of Defense providing answers.

Marc Henrichmann, chairman of the German Bundestag's Parliamentary Oversight Panel, advocates for granting German intelligence services the power to launch pre-emptive cyberattacks against Russia, emphasizing the need for a fundamental restructuring of these services.

Germany's top two football divisions, the Bundesliga and its second division, have recorded a new attendance record, selling over 21.4 million tickets in the past season.

Torsten Frei, the former head of the German Chancellery, is set to become the Union faction leader in the Bundestag next week, tasked with implementing reforms for Germany and supporting 'Chancellor Merz'.

The German Bundeswehr is actively recruiting young people at career fairs to address its need for new personnel. A visit to recruiters in Offenburg highlights their efforts to attract youth to military service.

The German Bundesrat has put forward an unusual legislative proposal to criminalize the denial of Israel's right to exist, aiming to protect Israel from antisemitism. The Bundestag will now decide on the bill.

The German Bundestag has approved a new elite sport funding model by a significant majority, aiming to enhance the international competitiveness of German athletes in the Olympics.

The German Bundesrat is currently discussing a potential tightening of sexual criminal law, with debates focusing on whether the 'No means No' principle requires further legislative changes.

The German Bundestag is debating a relief law aimed at providing financial compensation to heavily indebted municipalities for tasks mandated by the federal government, though its effectiveness in providing true relief is questioned.

The German Bundestag is entering its summer recess, with the necessary reform of its structure and electoral law having been postponed. Calls have been made to simplify the system, strengthen direct mandates, and tolerate errors.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national team has made a significant move to secure its future in goal by recruiting a talented goalkeeper from a German Bundesliga club.

The German Bundestag is currently debating pension reform, with political figures like SPD politician Giffey opposing the abolition of the 'pension at 63' rule. Discussions highlight concerns about the future of pensions, particularly in relation to demographics.

The German Bundestag has approved a new law aimed at accelerating the realization of important traffic projects, primarily by streamlining planning and approval procedures.

A heated debate took place in the German Bundestag regarding new Left party leader Pantisano's controversial remarks, where he spoke of a 'fascist politics' of the CDU, despite later apologizing.

The question of German mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz highlights a recurring constitutional issue regarding when the Bundeswehr can be deployed abroad, suggesting that a reform of the Basic Law is overdue.

The Lithuanian military has responded to a request from the United States concerning potential operations in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amidst discussions about the legality of such deployments, including for the German Bundeswehr.

Preparations for a German Bundeswehr deployment in the Strait of Hormuz are advancing, with a draft mandate text now available, though its approval by the SPD remains uncertain.

The German Bundestag has approved the extension of the EUFOR Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Discussions preceding the vote also addressed the issue of the OHR.

Twenty-five years ago, women in the Bundeswehr were limited to military music and medical services. Today, all areas are open to them, raising questions about their integration and sense of belonging.

The German Bundestag has approved the extension of the EUFOR Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Discussions preceding the vote also addressed the role of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), noting the unstable political situation.

Members of the German Bundestag are set to forgo a salary increase, as the coalition government plans to suspend the adjustment of their allowances. The opposition has welcomed this decision as a 'right signal'.

Members of the German Bundestag are considering suspending their automatic salary increase for this year, prompting questions about the implications and current earnings of parliamentarians.

The German Bundestag is expected to vote this week on a bill proposed by the Union and SPD parties to waive a planned salary increase for politicians, aiming to send a signal of austerity.

A group of German Bundestag members visited Taiwan, discussing the island's geopolitical situation and America's perception of Taiwan as a 'bargaining chip' with China.

A paper from the German Bundestag analyzes the 2021 decision of the Constitutional Court regarding climate protection laws, concluding that the legislature's ability to revoke such laws is not solely determined by the court's rulings.

The Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall group is becoming the central outfitter for the German Bundeswehr, leading to concerns about a potential security policy cluster risk due to concentrated military contracts.

The Bundestag has given the green light to a long-discussed high-speed rail project connecting Dresden to Prague, which could enable travel from Berlin to Vienna in five hours.

The German Bundestag has passed a resolution to reduce the air traffic tax, a move expected to impact flight ticket prices. Discussions are ongoing regarding the specific effects and benefits of this tax cut.

German Bundestag factions are prepared to waive higher allowances, with Union faction leader Jens Spahn proposing to link the vote on this issue with the upcoming health reform.

German parliamentarians engaged in a heated debate over extending the German Bundeswehr's mission within EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, revealing deep divisions in German policy towards the region despite a clear majority for the soldiers' continued presence.

Morocco’s House of Representatives Speaker Rachid Talbi Alami received a delegation from Germany’s Bundestag in Rabat, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Left-wing parties in the German Bundestag are advocating for changes to make returning to Syria more attractive for Syrian refugees, who currently risk losing their protection status if they visit their home country.

The phone of the German Bundestag President was reportedly hacked through the encrypted messaging app Signal. German authorities have launched an investigation into the cyberattack.

German Bundestag President Bärbel Bas stated that Julia Klöckner's Signal messenger account was allegedly hacked, and an investigation also involved the mobile phone of Friedrich Merz.

The German Bundesliga is eyeing the possibility of securing six qualification spots for the Champions League, driven by a strong surge in its UEFA coefficient ranking after recent European results.

The German Bundesrat has advocated for smaller cities to be able to issue their own car license plates, promoting local identity. The federal government is now urged to act on this proposal.

German Bundestag member Jürgen Hardt stated in an interview with Latvian Television that Europeans must do everything to maintain NATO unity and ensure the US remains in the alliance.

The President of the German Bundestag has stated that Lithuania's warnings and assessments regarding the threat posed by Russia have proven to be accurate.

The German Ministry of Defense plans a significant restructuring of its reserve forces, aiming to recruit 140,000 additional reservists, which is seen as an enormous challenge for the Bundeswehr to implement effectively.

A German Bundestag report previously suggested a social media ban for children is largely unfeasible, and new discussions in Germany emphasize that a ban alone is insufficient, highlighting issues of social inequality.

The German Bundestag has voted in favor of a pension reform aimed at encouraging more citizens to save privately for retirement, introducing new legislation that promises higher subsidies and returns.

Research reveals that individuals with Nazi ties held seats as members of parliament and worked in the administration of Germany's first Bundestag in 1949.

Germany is allocating record sums to armaments, putting pressure on the Bundeswehr's procurement agency to become faster and less bureaucratic in its purchasing processes.

The spread between Italian BTPs and German Bunds increased by 10 points, closing at 92 points, marking its highest level since June 2025.

The German Bundeswehr reported a 20% increase in applicants for military careers by the end of February, with approximately 16,100 individuals applying, signaling a potential turnaround for the long-troubled army.

The German Bundeswehr is reportedly struggling with recruitment and attracting volunteers for military service, despite not having issues with acquiring new equipment.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is affecting the deployments of the German Bundeswehr in the region, leading to tasks being put on hold, contingents reduced, and personnel relocated.

The German Bundestag is set to relax laws regarding wolf culling, making it easier to hunt wolves. The article discusses the reasons, expected number of culls, and potential trophy trade.

The German Bundestag is set to vote on a compromise proposal for hospital reform, a contentious issue that has faced resistance from federal states.

The German Bundestag is set to vote on the reform of the Bürgergeld (citizen's income) system, with the Federal Minister of Labor defending the proposal as socially just amidst criticism from social welfare organizations.

High-ranking military officials and budget committee members are criticizing the German Bundeswehr's arms procurement, citing unsuitable purchases and potential taxpayer money waste. Internal documents reveal authorities were aware of the criticism but proceeded with orders.

After disputes and blockades, the German Bundestag has approved the largest EU asylum reform, with the main point of contention being secondary migration centers for asylum seekers to facilitate faster returns.

The German Bundestag has passed the 'Tariftreuegesetz' (Wage Loyalty Law), which mandates that many public contracts will only be awarded to companies offering favorable conditions for employees, aiming to prevent wage dumping.

The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag has approved the procurement of kamikaze drones, subject to certain conditions.

Futures, Global Markets Rise With US Markets Closed For President's Day Stocks gained, bitcoin tumbled and bonds steadied after Friday's cool CPI data reinforced expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates on multiple occasions this year. With US markets closed for the Presidents’ Day holiday and mainland China’s markets closed for Lunar New Year holidays, trading was muted on Monday. As of 9:00am ET, futures on the S&P 500 added 0.4% and Europe’s Stoxx 600 index rose 0.4% as banking shares rebounded from a sharp decline last week. German bunds and Treasury futures were steady after US yields touched the lowest since December on Friday. The path of US interest rates remains in focus following Friday’s slower-than-expected US inflation print as traders fully price a Fed cut in July and the strong chance of a move in June.   “The backdrop for equities is positive post CPI,” said Andrea Gabellone, head of global equities at KBC Securities. At the same time, there could be “more dispersion ahead as sentiment around key AI-exposed sectors is still very critical,” he added.  That sentiment was echoed by other strategists seeking to distinguish between AI losers and winners. A JPMorgan Chase & Co. team led by Mislav Matejka urged caution on stocks at risk of AI-driven “cannibalization,” including software, business services and media companies. Meanwhile, banks are developing baskets to capitalize on the divergence: as we first reported last Thursday, Goldman launched a new basket of software stocks that goes long firms that will benefit from AI adoption, while shorting the companies whose workflows could be replaced. With AI disruption rippling through markets, a lot will come down to earnings resilience, in particular in the US.  “When you look at the current earnings season, the companies are showing 13% of growth,” Nataliia Lipikhina, head of EMEA equity strategy at JPMorgan, told Bloomberg TV. “Overall, this is the reason why we continue to be positive on the S&P.” Later this week, traders will be watching for ADP private payrolls numbers on Tuesday and the minutes from the Fed’s January meeting on Wednesday for a fresh read on the economy. European stocks gained with bank shares rebounding, after posting their biggest weekly decline since April on worries about disruption from artificial intelligence. The basic resources sector lags, with Norsk Hydro among Europe’s worst performers as both Goldman Sachs and RBC downgrade the stock. Stoxx 600 rises 0.4% to 620.26 with 253 members down, 336 up, and 11 unchanged. Here are some of the biggest movers on Monday:  NatWest shares rise as much as 4%, the most since October, as Citi analyst Andrew Coombs raises his price target on the UK bank to a Street-high. Seraphim Space shares rise as much as 9.2%, briefly hitting a new all-time high, after the space tech investment firm said the valuations of its four largest holdings increased over the final months of 2025. AECI shares rally as much as 6.1%, the most since July, after the South African commercial-explosives maker shared improved 2025 headline earnings per share guidance. Orsted shares rise as much as 3.8% after analysts at Kepler raise the recommendation to buy from hold over the Danish renewable energy firm’s outlook, despite ongoing uncertainty for the industry in the US. Norsk Hydro shares fall as much as 4.4%, extending Friday’s 5.9% earnings-triggered drop, after being downgraded at Goldman Sachs and RBC over disappointments and pricing pressures in the Norwegian aluminum company’s downstream business. Galderma shares slip as much as 2.2% after naming Luigi La Corte as its new chief financial officer following the news back in July that Thomas Dittrich was departing. Pinewood Technologies shares tumble as much as 32%, the most since April 2024, after Apax Partners said on Friday it will not proceed with a possible cash offer for the car dealership software provider. FlatexDEGIRO shares drop as much as 7.2% after BNP Paribas downgraded the online brokerage firm to neutral from outperform, saying the price reflects too much optimism about its market position in Germany. Maurel & Prom shares slump as much as 12%, pulling back after ending last week at a 2015-high, after announcing it is not currently authorized to resume oil and gas operations in Venezuela. Barratt Redrow shares fall as much as 3.7%, leading a drop in British homebuilders after Rightmove said house prices are stalling. Asian stocks slipped for a second day, led by declines in Japan as traders booked profits after last week’s post-election rally. Several markets were closed or held shortened trading sessions for the Lunar New Year holiday. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index was down 0.1%. Japan’s Topix Index fell 0.8%, with Mizuho Financial Group Inc. and Toyota Motor Corp. among the companies contributing to the index’s losses.In Hong Kong, AI model developer Minimax Group Inc. surged as much as 30% to more than four times its original listing price, while competitor Knowledge Atlas JSC Ltd. ended 4.7% higher. The market will be closed until Thursday. As investors across the region begin to reevaluate their bets on its artificial-intelligence-driven rally, traders in Japan cashed in gains driven by expectations of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s proactive spending policies last week.Trading in Singapore ended early Monday and will be shut until Wednesday. Equity markets in mainland China, South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam were closed.  In FX, the yen is the notable mover in currencies, weakening 0.5% against the dollar and pushing USD/JPY back above 153. The offshore yuan is one of the better performers against the greenback. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rises 0.1%. There is no cash trading in Treasuries due to the Presidents’ Day holiday. European government bonds are little changed In commdities, gold dipped below $5,000 an ounce, as traders booked profits from a gain in the previous session. Bitcoin tried anf ailed to stage a modest rebound; it last traded around $68,275 after posting its fourth consecutive weekly loss, with the cryptocurrency struggling to find clear direction as a weekend rally fizzled once the momentum ignition algos emerged.  WTI crude futures tread water near $62.90 a barrel.  Top Headlines President Trump said there will be voter ID rules in the mid-term elections this year, whether Congress approves it or not, and they will present a legal argument in an Executive Order. Furthermore, Trump said he has searched the depths of legal arguments not yet articulated nor vetted on this subject, and they will be presenting an irrefutable one in the very near future. Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with US: RTRS Pentagon threatened to cut its ties with Anthropic over the company’s insistence that some limitations are kept on how the military uses its AI models: RTRS UK eyes rapid ban on social media for under 16s, curbs to AI chatbots: RTRS Rampant AI Demand for Memory Is Fueling a Growing Chip Crisis: BBG Warner Bros. Weighs Reopening Sale Negotiations With Paramount: BBG Companies Are Replacing CEOs in Record Numbers—and They’re Getting Younger: WSJ Europe aims to rely less on US defence after Trump's Greenland push: RTRS DOJ Tells Lawmakers Epstein File Redactions Complied With LawL BBG For College Applicants, Pressure to Make Summers Count Has Gotten Even Worse: WSJ Fed's Goolsbee (2027 voter) said on Friday that they are still seeing pretty high services inflation, and he hopes they have seen the peak impact of tariffs, while he added that the job market has been steady, with only modest cooling.  The Break Is Over. Companies Are Jacking Up Prices Again: WSJ Trade/Tariffs USTR Greer said the US and Ecuador expect to sign a trade agreement in the coming weeks. China will waive import value-added taxes on selected seeds, genetic resources, and police dogs through to 2030 to increase agricultural competitiveness and breeding capacity. It was also reported that China will grant zero-tariff access to 53 African nations from May 1st, according to Bloomberg. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his French and German counterparts that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, while he added that China and the EU should manage differences, deepen practical cooperation and work together on global challenges. A more detailed look at global markets courtesy of Newsquawk APAC stocks began the week in the green but with gains limited following a lack of major fresh catalysts from over the weekend and amid thinned conditions owing to holiday closures in the region and North America. ASX 200 traded marginally higher with upside led by tech, although gains are capped by underperformance in the utilities, mining, materials and resources sectors, while participants also digested a slew of earnings releases. Nikkei 225 traded indecisively with the index constrained by disappointing Japanese preliminary Q4 GDP data, which showed the economy returned to growth but failed to meet expectations with GDP Q/Q at 0.1% (exp. 0.4%), and annualised GDP at 0.2% (exp. 1.6%). Hang Seng finished higher in a shortened trading session on Chinese New Year's Eve but with upside limited by tech weakness amid some confusion after the Pentagon added several companies including Baidu, Cosco, BYD, Huawei, Nio, SMIC, Tencent, and more to a list of Chinese firms aiding the military on Friday, but then withdrew the updated list shortly after it was posted. Furthermore, price action was also restricted by the closure of mainland markets and the absence of stock connect flows, which will remain shut for more than a week. US equity futures kept afloat in quiet trade amid the absence of drivers and participants. European equity futures indicate a mildly positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.1% after the cash market closed with losses of 0.4% on Friday. Asian Headlines Chinese President Xi called for the anchoring of economic growth around domestic demand as its main driver, in a speech during a key policy meeting late last year that was released on Sunday. China is to establish a permanent financial support framework to promote rural revitalisation and prevent a slide back into poverty, which represents a shift from transitional aid to long-term support. China’s market regulator summoned major online platform companies on Friday, including Alibaba, Douyin and Meituan, while it directed them to comply with laws and regulations, and rein in promotional practices, according to Bloomberg. US Secretary of State Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties. Disney (DIS) sent a ‘cease and desist’ letter to ByteDance over Seedance 2.0 and alleged that ByteDance has been infringing on its IP to train and develop an AI video generation model without compensation, according to Axios. It was later reported that ByteDance said it would curb its AI video app following Disney's legal threats, according to the BBC. RBI tightened rules for loans provided to brokers and proprietary firms in an effort to reduce market speculation FX DXY eked slight gains in rangebound trade after a lack of major catalysts and with US participants away on Monday. EUR/USD was little changed amid the absence of any major macro catalysts and with light newsflow from the bloc, while comments from ECB President Lagarde and news that the ECB is to make its repo backstop available to other central banks across the world, did little to spur price action. GBP/USD held on to most of Friday's spoils but with price action contained by resistance around 1.3650 and following comments from BoE's Mann that the UK economy is sluggish and tepid, with consumers spending less due to being scarred by high inflation. USD/JPY edged higher and returned to above the 153.00 level in the aftermath of the weaker-than-expected preliminary Q4 GDP data for Japan. Antipodeans were mixed with little fresh macro drivers and a lack of tier-1 data from either side of the Tasman. Fixed Income 10yr UST futures traded little changed and held on to last week's spoils after returning above the 113.00 level in the aftermath of the softer US inflation data, while price action was contained to start the week by the closure of US cash markets for Washington's Birthday. Bund futures lacked demand in the absence of any major catalysts and with light newsflow from the bloc. 10yr JGB futures were marginally higher following disappointing preliminary GDP data for Q4, but with gains limited after failing to sustain a brief reclaim of the 132.00 level. Commodities Crude futures were rangebound amid light energy-specific newsflow from over the weekend and after last Friday's indecisive performance, where attention was on a source report that noted OPEC+ is leaning towards resuming oil output hikes from April, but with no decision made. Slovak PM Fico said he has information that the Druzhba pipeline has been fixed after damage in Ukraine, although he believes that supplies to Hungary and Slovakia have become a part of political blackmail. Spot gold took a breather after edging higher in the aftermath of the recent softer-than-expected US inflation data, with price action also contained by the holiday closures across Asia and North America. Copper futures were subdued, with their largest buyer away for more than a week due to the Chinese New Year/Spring Festival holiday. Texas venture-backed startup Hertha Metal vowed mass production of steel with 25% cost savings, which could reduce US reliance on imports. Geopolitics: Middle East US military is preparing for potential operations against Iran that could last for weeks if US President Trump orders an attack and the US fully expects Iran to retaliate, according to sources cited by Reuters. US President Trump told Israeli PM Netanyahu during a meeting in December that he would support Israel striking Iran’s ballistic missile program if the US and Iran are not able to reach a deal, according to CBS. Iran confirmed that indirect talks between the US and Iran will resume in Geneva on Tuesday under the mediation of Oman, while Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi left for Geneva on Sunday. Iranian diplomat said Iran is open to nuclear deal compromises if the US discusses lifting sanctions, while it was also reported that Iran said potential energy, mining and aircraft deals are on the table in talks with the US. Israel’s cabinet approved the proposal to register West Bank lands as ‘state property’, while Palestinians condemned the ‘de facto annexation’ which Peace Now said likely amounts to a ‘mega land grab’. Geopolitics: Ukraine US President Trump said on Friday that Ukrainian President Zelensky is going to have to get moving and that Russia wants to get a deal. US Secretary of State Rubio said they don’t know if Russia is serious about finding an end to the war in Ukraine and will continue to test it, while it was reported that he met with Ukrainian President Zelensky on security and deepening defence and economic partnerships. Ukrainian drones targeted Russia’s Taman seaport and fuel tanks in the Black Sea region. UK and European allies were reported on Friday to be weighing seizing Russian shadow fleet ships and tightening curbs on Russia's economy. French Foreign Minister Barrot said some G7 nations have expressed a willingness to proceed with a maritime services ban on Russian oil, which they hope to include in the 20th sanctions package that they are actively preparing. Geopolitics: Other European Commission President von der Leyen said that they face the very distinct threat of outside forces trying to weaken their union, while she added that mutual defence is not an optional task for the European Union; it is an obligation within their own treaty, and it is their collective commitment to stand by each other in case of aggression. Pentagon said the US military struck an alleged drug cartel boat in the Caribbean, which killed three people. DB's Jim Reid concludes the overnigt wrap I hope you all had a good weekend. To stay in Winter Olympics mood the family watched "Cool Runnings" last night. I haven't seen it for 32 years. Please don't tell anyone but I had a few tears in my eyes at the end. I blamed it on the hay fever that has now started. There will be a lot of tears out there in markets for other reasons at the moment. Just two weeks ago, the idea of AI-driven disruption still felt like an abstract, almost academic thought experiment—something we could safely revisit once we had clearer evidence of how AI would be deployed and integrated across the economy. Fast forward 14 days, and markets have wiped out well over a trillion dollars of global equity value on the fear that AI could fundamentally reshape business models and compress profitability across a wide range of industries, including software, legal services, IT consulting, wealth management, logistics, insurance, real estate brokerage and commercial real estate. Some of the sell off in “old economy” sectors feels overdone to me. But as I argued in our 2026 World Outlook back in November, the real challenge is that even by the end of this year we still won’t have enough evidence to identify the structural winners and losers with confidence. That leaves plenty of room for investors’ imaginations—both optimistic and pessimistic—to run wild. As such big sentiment swings will continue to be the order of the day. My instinct is that the reaction in things like commercial real estate, for example, has been particularly exaggerated. Markets seem to be extrapolating a scenario in which vast numbers of white collar workers are made redundant almost overnight, leading to a dramatic collapse in office demand. If that view turns out to be correct, we’ll be facing societal challenges far larger than anything currently being priced into equities. While trying to catch a falling knife may be too risky for many, beginning to cushion the descent could be sensible in many old economy sectors. Markets can’t sustain a disruption narrative across multiple sectors for months or quarters without concrete evidence — and that evidence is likely to take much longer to emerge. Fascinating times. As for this week, today is a US holiday but inflation will remain in the spotlight at a global level after Friday's slightly softer US CPI which helped contribute to a decent rates rally to end the week. Prints are due in the US (PCE - Friday), the UK (Wednesday), Canada (Tuesday) and Japan (Friday). Other economic highlights will include the FOMC minutes (Wednesday), Q4 GDP in the US (Friday), as well as the global flash PMIs (Friday). Earnings reports will feature Walmart (Thursday), Nestlé (Thursday) and BHP (today). It's the earnings calm before next week's Nvidia storm. In the US, this holiday shortened week (President's Day today) features a data calendar dominated by releases that were pushed back by last year’s government shutdown. The most consequential updates will land on Friday, when the advance estimate of Q4 GDP arrives alongside December’s personal income and consumption figures—key inputs for shaping expectations for the early part of this year. For markets assessing the underlying pulse of demand heading into 2026, private final sales to domestic purchasers (PFDP) will carry more weight than the headline GDP print. This indicator—closely monitored by Fed Chair Powell—is expected by our economists to slow to 2.0% from 2.9% in Q3, though risks appear tilted upward. One swing factor: Wednesday’s durable goods report, where modest gains outside of transportation could soften the deceleration. On the consumer front, real PCE growth is expected to cool to 2.5% after two quarters of outsized strength but should still signal ample momentum heading into the new year. Friday’s income and spending report will also offer the latest reading on core PCE, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. Our economists expect another 0.4% monthly increase for December, lifting the year over year rate to 2.9%. Updated seasonal factors from last week’s CPI release suggest some mild downward pressure on inflation trends in the second half of 2025. Still, January’s CPI data, although softer than we anticipated, do not translate into equivalent relief for core PCE—in fact, our team currently sees another 0.4% gain for January's release (delayed until March 13th). Depending on the strength of medical services, airfare, and portfolio management components in the upcoming PPI report, a 0.5% monthly rise cannot be ruled out, which would push the year over year rate toward 3.1%. So don't get too excited about the softer CPI last week and the huge rates rally. Additional releases this week will help clarify whether recent severe winter weather has disrupted factory sector activity. January industrial production, due Wednesday, should benefit from a jump in utility output, while weather effects may weigh on the Empire State Survey tomorrow and the Philadelphia Fed survey on Thursday. Labor market data will also be in focus, particularly Thursday’s jobless claims, which line up with the survey week for the February employment report. As our economists have pointed out, private nonfarm job gains have averaged 103k over the past three months, slightly above the pace at this point in 2025 and matching the start of 2024. See their latest US employment chartbook here. This week will also feature a dense lineup of Federal Reserve speakers which you can see alongside all the key global data in the day-by-day week ahead calendar at the end as usual. Moving away from the US, inflation will also be in focus in Japan (Friday) and Canada (tomorrow). For the former, our Chief Japan Economist sees the January nationwide CPI showing a slowdown in both core CPI inflation ex. fresh food to 2.1% YoY (+2.4% in December) and core-core CPI inflation ex. fresh food and energy to 2.7% (+2.9%). Also important will be the global flash PMIs due on Friday as a health check on global growth. In Europe, the spotlight will be on UK inflation (Wednesday), with labour market data due tomorrow and retail sales on Friday. Our UK economist expects headline CPI inflation to drop to 3.0% YoY (3.4% in December) and core CPI also landing at 3.0% YoY (3.2% YoY). See more in his full preview here. In terms of key rate decisions, the RBNZ are expected to remain on hold on Wednesday. Finally, the Munich Security Conference wrapped up over the weekend, where key topics included Ukraine, Russia, and the fate of Greenland. And while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech was nothing like Vice President JD Vance’s at last year’s conference, which triggered a “wake-up” call for European leaders, Rubio reiterated the administration’s view that Europe needed to leave behind its focus on energy policies, trade and mass migration. Recapping last week now, the tech volatility that has dogged markets since the start of the month broadened into a far more indiscriminate sell-off. The trough came on Thursday, marked by a sharp drop in software stocks, but the weakness extended well beyond tech. Companies across wealth management, real estate and financials suffered double digit declines, underscoring how widespread the pullback has become. Market breadth confirmed this shift as the equal weighted S&P 500 fell -1.37% on Thursday, though it managed to finish the week up +0.29% (+1.04% on Friday). Ultimately, the sell-off left the major US indices on the back foot: the S&P 500 slipped -1.39% (+0.05% on Friday), the Nasdaq lost -2.10% (-0.22% on Friday), and the Magnificent 7 slid -3.24% (-1.11% on Friday). Although the AI scare dominated sentiment, a heavy slate of US data also shaped the market narrative. Early in the week, softer prints—including flat December retail sales, a dovish Q4 Employment Cost Index, and slower Q4 growth expectations from the Atlanta Fed—pushed Treasury yields lower across the curve. That picture shifted midweek after a stronger than expected January jobs report, which delivered the largest gain in nonfarm payrolls (+130k vs. +65k expected) since December 2024 and reinforced confidence that the US economy carried solid momentum into 2026. Then on Friday, January CPI came in below expectations, adding another dovish note. Although the data offered mixed signals at times, the overall takeaway was sufficiently dovish for traders to increase the number of expected rate cuts by December 2026 to 63.4bps (+7.7bps on the week). This helped drive the largest weekly drop in the 10 year Treasury yield since August 2025, down -15.8bps (-5.0bps on Friday) to 4.05%. The 2 year yield also moved sharply lower, falling -8.9bps to 3.41% (-4.8bps on Friday), its lowest level since 2022. European markets, meanwhile, delivered a comparatively resilient performance. The STOXX 600 (+0.09%, -0.13% Friday), DAX (+0.78%, +0.25% Friday) and FTSE 100 (+0.74%, +0.42% Friday) all posted modest gains for the week. European sovereign bonds rallied as well, with the 10 year bund yield dropping -8.7bps—its steepest weekly decline since April 2025. That move was outpaced by gilts, which fell -9.8bps (-3.6bps on Friday) despite a sharp early week sell-off triggered by renewed questions surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position. Elsewhere, performance was mixed. Brent crude edged down -0.44% (+0.34% on Friday), while gold extended its upward run, rising +1.56% (+2.43% on Friday). Will London’s half term week finally give us a quiet week in 2026? You’d probably have to guess at ‘unlikely’. Tyler Durden Mon, 02/16/2026 - 09:40