DB Regio recorded 989 assaults on its train conductors in the first half of the year and plans to implement countermeasures such as stab-proof vests, audio recordings, and increased personnel.

Austrian Post has reported a significant decline in its half-year profit, which has fallen by two-thirds. This substantial drop reflects challenges faced by the company during the period.

The state-owned German development bank KfW significantly increased its lending and grants in the first half of the year, reaching a record high, driven primarily by strong demand for climate protection and environmental projects.

Deutsche Bahn reported that only 59% of its long-distance trains were on time in the first half of the year, with the CEO criticizing "organized irresponsibility" within the company amidst ongoing delays.

The crane manufacturer Palfinger reported a slight four percent decrease in group profit to 48 million Euros in the first half of the year, attributed to the conflict in the Middle East, with an efficiency program planned to save 25 million Euros.

Volkswagen is anticipating improved results in the latter half of the year following a profit decline in the first six months, with a focus on driving cost-cutting measures and relying on Audi for momentum.

Asylum applications in Austria during the first half of the year are at their lowest level in decades, showing a 44 percent decrease compared to the previous year.

Bawag, an Austrian bank, has reported a profit increase of over one-fifth in the first half of the year. This strong financial performance indicates a successful period for the institution.

Kolbjörn Guwallius's new book, described as a truth commission, investigates the missionary work of his grandmother's parents and questions how much the general public knew about the abuses committed in Congo during that period. The book sheds light on historical injustices.

China exported over five million cars in the first half of the year, leading to a rapid increase in exports to the EU and a growing trade deficit for the bloc. Semiconductors, batteries, and cars are among China's most successful export products.

Air travel became noticeably more expensive in the first half of 2026, with prices for flights to Central America and within Europe seeing particularly sharp increases.

Bakery insolvencies in Germany increased by 40% in the first half of the year, largely due to consumers increasingly purchasing baked goods from supermarkets and discounters.

The first half of the year proved favorable for shareholders, particularly those not invested in software titles, while gold, silver, and Bitcoin experienced declines.

The German horror-comedy series 'Widow's Bay' on Apple TV, starring Matthew Rhys, is lauded as the best series of the first half of 2026 for its compelling plot about a mayor boosting tourism.

Reports indicate a slight decrease in company insolvencies during the first half of the year, suggesting a potential stabilization or improvement in the business environment.

Mads Strange has been appointed as the new political spokesperson for the Liberal Alliance party in Denmark, taking over the role while Sólbjørg Jakobsen is on maternity leave.

Sólbjørg Jakobsen (LA), a Danish equality spokesperson, defends freedom as the absence of interference, contrasting with a feminist perspective that insists freedom also involves creating equal opportunities.

Finnur Aðalbjörnsson, owner of the Forest Lagoon (Skógarböðin) in North Iceland, has strongly criticized the proposed rise in value-added tax on Iceland’s bathing facilities, warning it could place greater financial pressure on local visitors.

A Turkish film about political persecution won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, where several award winners used their acceptance speeches to advocate for Palestinians, despite the jury president's earlier call for filmmakers to avoid politics.

Switzerland experienced a significant rise in bankruptcies during the first half of the year, indicating a challenging economic period for businesses. The sharp increase reflects growing financial pressures across various sectors.

Firefighting equipment supplier Rosenbauer achieved higher revenue in the first half of the year. The company's stronger business performance was attributed to increased demand due to wildfires.

Austrian fiber manufacturer Lenzing reported reduced revenue but increased profit for the first half of the year, while announcing the closure of its Burgenland plant by year-end and job cuts for approximately 2000 employees worldwide.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has announced a surprising book profit of 25.2 billion Swiss francs for the first half of the year. This significant gain was reported by SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel.

Sparkassen in Baden-Württemberg, holding a 50% market share, report that promised economic reforms have not yet taken effect and note alarming signals in their half-year assessment.

Chinese car manufacturers have significantly increased their presence in the European automotive market, reaching a 10% share in the first half of the year, partly due to new presentation methods and dynamic growth.

Vienna's tourism sector recorded a 4% increase in overnight stays during the first half of the year, totaling 9.3 million, with the Song Contest month of May contributing significantly to revenue growth.

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced a 'minus migration' in the first half of the year, praising the decrease in immigration figures. He also confirmed that individuals without prior convictions could be deported to Syria.

The German Chancellor presented a half-year review of the government's performance, highlighting achievements in health, infrastructure, and bureaucracy reduction, while acknowledging the economy still awaits a significant "gamechanger."

Germany is experiencing a significant increase in the number of young people refusing military service, with a notable rise in conscientious objectors. This trend comes as the EU country is heavily arming itself.

On top of the goal mountain, Lance Armstrong saw something he himself has experienced: "One thing can ultimately defeat Tadej Pogacar"

The number of new company formations in Hesse nearly doubled in the first half of 2026 compared to the second half of 2025, with Frankfurt showing dynamic growth while Darmstadt declines.

The first six months of the year saw a significant decrease in the number of companies going public, despite the resilience of stock markets even amidst the Iran-Israel conflict.

The Austrian coalition government managed to pass its double budget without major conflict, but faces difficulties on several fronts and has yet to establish a strong counter-narrative against the FPÖ.

Police have responded to a serious traffic accident involving two passenger cars on Hammelvej near Houlbjerg in East Jutland, leading to road closures.

Der er ikke ligefrem ligestilling i det digitale skole-hjem-samarbejde, viser nye tal. Mor er typisk familiens projektleder også i relation til skolen, men er det overhovedet et problem?

A new law has been introduced that is expected to benefit the fossil fuel industry, leading to jubilation among oil companies who reportedly feel they are 'not responsible.'

The Bundesbank announced a reduction in the amount of counterfeit money detected in circulation during the first half of the year, though some individual banknotes are being more frequently faked.

Commerzbank's CEO stated that teaming up with UniCredit could be a positive development, as the bank aims to shape its future following record first-half results.

The first half of the year saw a resurgence in company acquisition activities, indicating a renewed confidence in the market for mergers and acquisitions.

Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) reported a 25% increase in its first-half profit, reaching 708 million euros, when excluding its Russian business, a growth attributed to an increase in customer loans.

Mercedes-Benz reported mixed half-year financial results, with revenue and profit declines, and announced delays in its anticipated model offensive, asking for patience until 2027.

Austria saw over 21,000 new business registrations in the first half of the year, excluding personal care services, marking a 4.5% increase. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) calls it a 'startup boom' and advocates for bureaucracy reduction.

An Israeli minister has reportedly visited the Temple Mount once more, a site of frequent tension.

The European automotive market experienced a recovery during the first half of the current year.

Swiss watchmaker Swatch Group announced an increase in sales and market share gains during the first half of 2026, though its net profit continues to remain low.

Despite an increase in electric car production, the German automotive industry is suffering from reduced domestic production and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.

Major US banks have reported a strong first half of the year, benefiting from events like the SpaceX IPO and stock market fluctuations, with concerns over credit card debt temporarily receding.

Airport operator Fraport has revised its passenger number targets downwards for the first half of the year, citing the Middle East crisis and Lufthansa strikes as key factors impacting its Frankfurt operations.

A review of the top and flop TV series from the first six months of the year is presented, along with a preview of upcoming series for the second half.

Experts are advising caution for European stock markets in the second half of the year, following significant impacts from a war in Iran.

Eine ganze Reihe von Experten meint, dass europäischen Aktien ein herausragendes zweites Halbjahr bevorsteht.

Austrian energy provider EVN saw an increase in revenue and profit during the first half of the year, driven by the sale of WTE and the acquisition of Fiberplus.

Der Baukonzern steigert auch den Auftragsbestand deutlich. Der Krieg im Nahen Osten bremst den Ölfeldausrüster SBO, der Besserung im zweiten Halbjahr sieht

The Austrian government spent €8.64 million on advertising in the second half of 2025, an increase from the first half but significantly less than 2024 figures, with public bodies booking nearly €208 million.

Vienna's film industry experienced a downturn in the second half of the year despite an earlier increase in applications and filming, leading to calls for a planned levy on streaming providers.