German Foreign Policy

World

U.S. Diplomatic Missions Ordered to Scrutinize Global Aid for Compliance with Expanded Social Policy Restrictions

Exclusive: A newly revealed State Department cable directs embassies worldwide to audit all assistance programs against stringent new rules prohibiting funding for groups involved in abortion services, diversity initiatives, and gender identity advocacy, expanding a long-contested policy to nearly $30 billion in foreign aid.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Amnesty Hopes Rise Among IS-Linked Foreign Women in Syrian Camp as Government Offensive Shifts Power

Foreign women detained in Syria's Roj camp, linked to the Islamic State group, see a potential path to freedom following a government offensive that weakened their Kurdish guards. As political dynamics shift, their hopes for amnesty or repatriation collide with international reluctance and an uncertain future for the camps.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Venezuela Rewrites Its Oil Playbook: A Historic Reversal Seeks to Lure Back Foreign Capital

In a landmark move, Venezuela's interim government has enacted a sweeping reform of its oil industry, dismantling core tenets of two decades of socialist policy. The overhaul aims to revive production but faces deep-seated risks and questions over its ultimate beneficiaries.

Feb 2, 2026

World

German Chancellor Merz Calls for Urgent European Sovereignty Amid Global 'Epochal Break'

In a stark New Year's address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Europe faces an 'epochal break' in global order and must urgently strengthen its strategic autonomy, economic competitiveness, and defense capabilities to navigate rising geopolitical tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

German Authorities Crack Down on Alleged Arms Component Smuggling Ring to Russia

German federal prosecutors have arrested five individuals accused of operating a sophisticated smuggling network that allegedly funneled millions of euros worth of dual-use goods to Russian defense firms, in violation of EU sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.

Feb 2, 2026

World

UK's Gridworks Inks $400M Ethiopia Power Deals as Foreign Minister Visits to Address Migration Pressures

During UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's visit to Addis Ababa, British investor Gridworks signed landmark agreements to develop two major transmission projects. The deals, part of a broader UK strategy linking economic development with migration management, mark Ethiopia's first public-private partnerships in its power transmission sector.

Feb 2, 2026

World

German Authorities Crack Down on Alleged Sanctions-Busting Ring Supplying Russian Defense Firms

German federal prosecutors have arrested five individuals accused of orchestrating a vast procurement network that allegedly funneled millions of euros worth of goods to Russian defense companies, in direct violation of EU sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Germany's Gold Dilemma: Should Berlin Repatriate Its $100 Billion Reserves from the U.S.?

As transatlantic tensions simmer, a renewed push to bring home Germany's gold stored in New York vaults sparks debate over financial security, political symbolism, and Cold War-era trust.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Berliners Embrace Free Spuds as German Potato Glut Sparks Creative Solutions and Debate

An unprecedented potato harvest in Germany has led to a wave of grassroots initiatives, with farmers distributing millions of surplus potatoes for free in Berlin, sparking community spirit and a debate on food waste and market impacts.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

High Tide Caps Record Year with Strong Q4, Eyes German Expansion and U.S. Ambitions

High Tide Inc. reported record quarterly revenue and profitability in its fiscal Q4 2025, fueled by robust Canadian retail growth. The company outlined aggressive store expansion plans and detailed integration efforts for its new German medical cannabis asset, while also signaling cautious optimism regarding potential U.S. market entry.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Germany Updates U.S. Travel Advisory Amid Immigration Crackdowns, Joining Wave of Nations Urging Caution

Germany has revised its official travel guidance for the United States, warning citizens of potential risks linked to immigration enforcement actions and civil unrest. The move aligns with a broader trend, as multiple allied nations have strengthened their advisories over the past year, reflecting growing international concern over U.S. domestic policies.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

German Labor Market Under Strain: Unemployment Tops 3 Million, Rate Climbs to 6.6%

Germany's unemployment rolls swelled past 3 million in January, pushing the jobless rate to 6.6%, marking the highest January figure in a decade and signaling persistent weakness in Europe's largest economy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Election Integrity in Focus: Watchdog Warns of Foreign Funding, Noncitizen Voting Ahead of Midterms

As states finalize legislation before the 2026 elections, a conservative-leaning watchdog group highlights vulnerabilities in the voting system, pushing for reforms to curb foreign influence and clarify citizenship requirements for voters.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

German Chancellor Merz Urges Breakthrough for Unified EU Capital Market to Rival U.S.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for urgent action to dismantle barriers and create a truly integrated European capital market, arguing it is essential for the bloc's economic competitiveness and to keep innovative firms from listing abroad.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

BetMGM Cracks Down: Sportsbook Rolls Out Sweeping Anti-Harassment Policy to Shield Athletes and Staff

In a major move for industry accountability, BetMGM announces a zero-tolerance policy allowing it to suspend users for harassing athletes, coaches, or team personnel, as sports betting-related abuse incidents rise.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Investment Outlook 2026: Four Sectors Facing Headwinds Amid Shifting Monetary Policy

As the Federal Reserve prepares for a potential policy shift in 2026, analysts flag real estate, financials, energy, and consumer discretionary as vulnerable sectors. Structural challenges and changing macroeconomic conditions could pressure performance despite broader market gains.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Befesa Shares Surge 54% in a Year, Outpacing German Market Amid Turnaround Hopes

While the German market gained a modest 7.7%, steel dust recycling leader Befesa (ETR:BFSA) delivered a total shareholder return of 54% over the past twelve months. This impressive rebound follows a challenging three-year period, sparking investor debate on whether it signals a sustained recovery or a temporary rally.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran Detains Four Foreign Nationals Amid Post-Protest Crackdown

Iranian authorities announced the arrest of four foreigners allegedly involved in last month's widespread unrest, seizing homemade explosives in the operation as the government continues to blame external actors for domestic turmoil.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Precious Metals Plunge: Gold and Silver See Sharpest Drop in Decades Amid Policy Shifts

Gold prices tumbled from a record $5,600 to $4,770 per ounce, while silver plummeted 31% in a single day—the steepest decline since 1980. Analysts point to shifting U.S. monetary policy expectations and eased geopolitical anxieties as key drivers behind the sudden sell-off.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Germany Grinds to a Halt: Nationwide Transport Strike Paralyzes Cities Amid Deep Freeze

A massive strike by public transport workers has brought buses and trams to a standstill across Germany, leaving commuters stranded in sub-zero temperatures as a bitter dispute over pay and conditions escalates.

Feb 2, 2026