Sabine Kinkartz

The war in Iran has dashed hopes for economic growth. Germany's pension and healthcare systems are also feeling the strain.

This year's ILA Berlin Air Show is breaking records, primarily because of the booming defense sector, which is reaping billions in contracts as a result of wars and crises.

Never before has a June been as hot in Germany as in 2026. This has consequences not only for people and nature, but also for businesses. Heat reduces productivity and causes illness, while cooling is expensive.

Delayed, unreliable and forced into long detours due to construction: Germany can no longer shine when it comes to rail travel — and this is unlikely to change anytime soon. The company is mired in a deep crisis.

More money for the military, less for everything else, while debt continues to grow rapidly: such is Germany's draft budget for 2027. The Cabinet has approved it, now it needs to pass in parliament.

With tax revenues down and social spending up, more and more cities and towns in the Ruhrgebiet are struggling to make ends meet. One city that is particularly deep in the red is Oberhausen.

With tax revenues down and social spending up, more and more cities and towns in the Ruhrgebiet are struggling to make ends meet. One city that is particularly deep in the red is Oberhausen.

Former Health Minister Jens Spahn of the conservative CDU, who opposed legalizing surrogacy in Germany, has become a father with the help of a surrogate mother in the US.

Jens Spahn, a key ally of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is stepping down amid a controversy surrounding his decision to have a child via a surrogate mother. He had opposed legalizing surrogacy in Germany.

Jens Spahn, a key ally of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is stepping down amid a controversy surrounding his decision to have a child via a surrogate mother. He had opposed legalizing surrogacy in Germany.