National EU Budget Fight
Merz rejects EU's €2 trillion budget plan as 'unaffordable' ahead of G7
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz dug in against the European Commission's proposed €2 trillion long-term budget, calling the figure unaffordable as he headed to the G7. Berlin and other 'frugal' capitals are pushing for sharp cuts.
Local ILA Berlin 2026
ILA Berlin airshow opens with new Space Pavilion and more than 650 exhibitors
Germany's biggest aerospace show opened at Berlin ExpoCenter Airport with over 650 exhibitors and 100 aircraft, as minister Dorothee Bär inaugurated a new Space Pavilion.
National German Economy
Germany's economy stalls as Merz warns of 'critical' crossroads
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany stands at a 'crossroads' and needs 'radical' steps after years of near-zero growth, with the government's own estimate pointing to just 0.5% expansion in 2026. High energy costs and falling U.S. exports continue to weigh on industry.
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Earlier coverage
- Merz’s economic advisers nearly halve Germany’s 2026 growth forecast as a second energy shock bites
- Merz cements Lithuania armoured brigade as German military budget tops €100 billion
- Merz proposes Ukraine "associate" EU membership as interim step
- Munich elects first Green mayor as runoff splits Bavarian CSU stronghold
- Merz calls for overhaul of EU budget to prioritise defence
- Merz convenes coalition partners on tax and pension overhaul as approval collapses
- Merz government strained as debt-brake row threatens German coalition
- Berlin enforces Russian and Soviet symbol ban at war memorials over Victory Day weekend