
German Government Subsidizes Conversion of Vacant Offices to Housing
The German government is offering subsidies to encourage the conversion of vacant commercial spaces into residential apartments, aiming to address housing shortages.
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The German government is offering subsidies to encourage the conversion of vacant commercial spaces into residential apartments, aiming to address housing shortages.
The German government is preparing a multi-billion euro relief package aimed at motorists, though it remains uncertain if the measures will effectively lower fuel prices.

The German government has launched an anti-crisis plan involving a tax reduction package of 1.6 billion euros, which is three times smaller than the 5 billion euros announced by the Spanish government, citing economic prudence.

The German government is considering a proposal to link the retirement age to life expectancy, taking inspiration from Denmark where the pension age is projected to rise to 70 by 2040.

The German government is reportedly attempting to clarify or 'empty of content' a rule concerning the movement of military-aged men, a move that has fueled public alarm.
The German government plans to provide 180 million euros to airlines by lowering ticket taxes, aiming to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic aviation companies. This measure was a coalition promise made during elections.

The German government has bolstered Ghana's border security by commissioning four new weather sheds for officers of the Ghana Immigration Service at Aflao in the Volta Region.

Germany's Federal Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil is preparing the country for challenging economic times, introducing a "Spring of Reforms" with proposals that include both impactful changes and symbolic gestures.

The German federal government is working to improve laws against digital violence, specifically targeting the spread of deepfake recordings, though experts suggest stricter criminal law alone may not be sufficient.
The German government has confirmed that the Syrian president is scheduled to visit Berlin on Monday for official engagements.

The German federal government plans to implement numerous reforms by summer, focusing on areas such as taxes, pensions, and healthcare, with ongoing debates about the specifics.

The German government intends to criminalize the distribution of deepfakes, particularly sexual content generated by AI, following an accusation by a German actress against her ex-husband.
Germany's Family Minister Prien is restructuring the 'Demokratie leben' (Live Democracy) funding program, which involves cutting funds for numerous projects and has sparked a public debate.

Elisabeth Kaiser, the German government's Commissioner for Eastern Germany, notes increasing discontent among East German companies and suggests investments in armaments and infrastructure could alleviate the issue.

The German federal government has confirmed that a Deutschlandticket printed on paper is valid, following an earlier court ruling in Berlin that affirmed its legality.

The German government has formally requested explanations from Hungary regarding allegations that confidential EU information may have been shared with Russia.
Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) reportedly assessed Vladimir Putin’s regime in Russia much more soberly and critically than the federal government for many years, recognizing early signs of Russian imperialism.

The Taliban have reportedly appointed a new head of the Afghan embassy in Berlin without the German government's approval, despite not being recognized by Germany.

A reader's opinion piece in Finland criticizes the government's secrecy regarding nuclear weapons decisions, stating it violates democratic principles, as major foreign and security policy decisions have traditionally been negotiated with the opposition.

Ryanair claims the German government has broken its word regarding the flight ticket tax, stating that the actual levy will remain higher than announced for early 2024, contrary to expectations of a reduction.

The German government is facing sharp criticism and accusations of misusing funds from its multi-billion euro special fund, with two economic institutes and the opposition raising concerns.

A new draft law reveals that the German federal government intends to reduce the air traffic tax by billions of euros by mid-year. The proposed cut is expected to be welcomed by the aviation industry.

The German government's social welfare reform plans, aimed at streamlining benefits, are sparking debate and potential conflicts over the future of housing benefits for low-income earners, with a new study defending their importance.

A major investigation reveals that the West German government secretly transferred billions of funds to Israel over 12 years. This covert operation aimed to finance the Dimona nuclear reactor and secure the country's future.

The German government plans to tighten antitrust laws, requiring mineral oil companies to justify price increases at gas stations in advance and limiting price changes to once a day.

The German government is pushing to speed up the procurement of defense goods, aiming to expand capacities and systematically eliminate bottlenecks after years of hesitation, with industry insiders expressing optimism despite ongoing challenges.

Germany's arms exports reached historically high levels in 2025, with Ukraine remaining the largest buyer. The German government released these figures following a parliamentary inquiry, also noting a record high in export approvals.
German energy company Uniper has restarted dividend payments, signaling a move towards the German government's planned exit from its ownership.

The German Foreign Office has described the situation in Syria as "volatile," with only slight improvements compared to the previous year, according to a confidential assessment. The German government is reportedly pushing for deportations despite the ongoing instability.

A German government study, the 'Motra-Monitor,' indicates that extremist positions are widespread in Germany, with younger generations increasingly open to right-wing extremist or Islamist views, though the majority of the population remains democratically inclined.

German-Turkish director İlker Çatak, whose “Yellow Letters” recently won the Berlin Film Festival’s Golden Bear, has weighed in on the recommendations made by Germany’s culture ministry after it Berlinale chief Tricia Tuttle came under fire earlier this week Tuttle’s leadership came under threat after the 2026 edition of the festival was overshadowed by political debate, with […]
Tricia Tuttle will remain at the helm of the Berlinale film festival, but the German government is issuing 'recommendations' due to federal pressure over expressions of solidarity with Palestine by some filmmakers at the last edition.

Under fire Berlinale chief Tricia Tuttle is set stay on at the festival following a week of turbulence and meetings with the German government.

The first special flight from Emirates has departed Dubai for Frankfurt, carrying German tourists stranded in the Middle East. The German government is preparing further repatriation efforts for approximately 30,000 citizens.

The German government is preparing to send planes to the Middle East to evacuate German tourists stranded due to the war in Iran, with flights planned for Muscat, Oman, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The German government is discussing the situation in the Middle East following the escalation in Iran. Opposition politicians are criticizing the Israeli and American military strikes against Iran.

Festival director Tricia Tuttle faces criticism after a prizewinner accused Berlin of complicity in Gaza ‘genocide’

"Discussions about the direction of the Berlinale will continue in the coming days," said the German government. More than 500 people working at the festival came out on Thursday in defense of Tricia Tuttle.
Tilda Swinton, Todd Haynes, and Kleber Mendonça Filho are among those who oppose the potential removal of director Tricia Tuttle, after another edition marked by the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

A trio of key European film bodies have come out in support of Berlinale Director Tricia Tuttle amid rumours on Wednesday that the German government is on the cusp of firing the respected festival exe

The German government will hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss the future direction of the Berlinale film festival following political backlash over pro-Palestinian speeches at its closing ceremony.
The German government has significantly softened its controversial heating law following public and political backlash.

The German federal government is set to present the key points for the reform of the heating law next week, as announced by SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch.
Nearly 6,000 Syrians in Germany applied for voluntary return to Syria in 2025. However, with lingering security concerns and slow reconstruction efforts, Syria remains a challenging destination.

Ukrainian-German government talks in Berlin were overshadowed by concerns about continued support for Ukraine, as political resistance to aid grows in Germany.

Germany's black-red government aims to stabilize the healthcare system, with the minister describing it as a 'major effort' to implement most proposals for health reform into law.

German politicians Schulze and Voigt anticipate prompt and coordinated action from the federal government, with discussions expected to continue through the weekend, including calls for a suspension of the CO2 tax.

Amidst the energy price crisis, it would be better for the German federal government to remain calm at the pump rather than considering market interventions, focusing instead on policies that foster genuine economic growth.

A decorated former Australian soldier, identified as Ben Roberts-Smith, has been arrested and accused of brutally murdering prisoners while serving in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

The popularity of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government has fallen to a record low, with only 15 percent of voters expressing satisfaction with its performance, according to a recent ARD DeutschlandTrend survey.

A three-party coalition government aims to grant new powers to the competition authority to address rising corporate margins and foster more competition, but many details of the plan remain unclear.

The German government has presented its 'Spring of Reforms' plans, with the Finance Minister preparing the country for challenging times and outlining proposals that range from impactful changes to symbolic gestures.

Iran is demanding that the German government clarify whether the use of the US Ramstein base in the war against Iran can be considered an act of aggression, questioning its legal status.

The German federal government is exploring a potential increase in value-added tax (VAT) to boost state revenue, though economists caution that such a move could lead to higher prices, reduced consumption, and economic risks.

The German government has introduced a new legislative package aimed at combating digital violence against women, with Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig emphasizing that digital violence should not be a business model.

German researchers are skeptical about the sufficiency of the federal government's new climate protection program, which includes more wind turbines, mixed forests, and climate-friendly fuels.

Peter Bajer stated that EU enlargement is currently not among the top five priorities for the European Union or his government, noting that while German officials are interested in the Western Balkans, they are preoccupied with other more pressing matters.

Elisabeth Kaiser, the German government's Commissioner for Eastern Germany, emphasizes that East Germany is crucial for the country's "Zeitenwende" (a major policy shift), suggesting investments in armaments and infrastructure could alleviate dissatisfaction.

An ARD investigation suggests the Taliban have secretly taken control of the Afghan embassy in Berlin, a claim denied by the German government, while a new website adds to the controversy.

The German Justice Ministry is introducing a draft law to enhance protection against "digital violence" and deepfakes, a move supported by an initiative of women in politics and culture who are demanding stricter laws following recent accusations against actor Christian Ulmen.

Elections in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate are causing anxiety for the federal government in Berlin, as the outcome could impact the national coalition.

According to ARD research, a Taliban member has been appointed head of the Afghan embassy in Berlin without the German government's notification, making Germany the first EU state where Islamists effectively lead an embassy.
The Kyiv Regional Children's Hospital has received modern, high-tech medical equipment.

The German federal government has approved a draft law that aims to hold e-scooter rental companies more accountable for damages caused by accidents, particularly those resulting from carelessly parked e-scooters, following a significant increase in such incidents.

An Ifo Institute analysis revealed that the German government has used billions of euros from a special fund for infrastructure and climate investments primarily to fill budget deficits.

The German government plans to reorient the Islam Conference forum, intending to draw sharper boundaries in cooperation with associations, a move that has met with opposition.

Italian bank UniCredit's bid to increase its stake in German lender Commerzbank continues to be a major market topic, with reports indicating an 'ice age' and hardened fronts between the two banks amidst the ongoing takeover attempt and strong political opposition from the German government, which views a hostile takeover as unacceptable despite some advisors seeing potential benefits.

The German government announced new regulations to prevent gas stations from increasing fuel prices more than once a day and to tighten competition law in the fuel sector, in response to rising costs linked to the war with Iran.

The German federal government is exploring options to lower fuel prices, with current proposals criticized for potentially increasing bureaucracy rather than effectively addressing the issue amidst the Iran crisis.

The German government is exploring special antitrust regulations to curb rising fuel prices, while public suspicion grows that oil companies may be exploiting the Iran war to increase profit margins.

The German government is planning to expand digital powers for investigators and potentially use AI for analyzing digital data in complex terrorism and organized crime investigations.

The German government plans to restrict gas stations to increasing fuel prices only once per day. This measure aims to curb price surges, particularly those influenced by the Iran war, though the implementation date remains undecided.

An article criticizes Germany's traditional parties for being too timid and surprised by voter punishment, suggesting this only benefits populists.

New plans for Germany's heating law reform suggest that gas heating remains a solid choice, but the article questions this assumption.

The German Federal Press Office plans to adopt a more direct communication strategy, focusing on digital channels, following the success of the Chancellor's videos.

The German government appealed to all parties not to extend the Middle East conflict to Europe but stated it is not planning to provide military support to Cyprus, according to government spokesman Stefan Cornelius.
The German government has rejected calls to cap fuel prices, with the Economy Minister stating that oil and gas supplies remain secure and stable.

The German government's plan to evacuate stranded travelers from the Gulf region is facing criticism from the opposition, while police warn against rebooking scams.

Ulrike Malmendier is leaving the German government's Council of Economic Experts, a move criticized by other members, though one member, Grimm, has distanced himself from their statement.

The German government's focus on green gas is anticipated to increase gas prices, prompting heating owners to re-evaluate their options.

The German government is considering extending the work week. In Finland, SAK, on the other hand, wants to try shortening it.

The Ministry of Culture meets with the director, Tricia Tuttle, to study her continuity in the position after one of the award winners accused the German government of complicity with the…

The German government is eyeing deeper economic ties with Nigeria, seeking to partner in priority sectors, including wine, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and machinery and construction, among others. The post Germany eyes stronger economic ties with Nigeria appeared first on Vanguard News.

The German government has withdrawn a controversial law, enabling citizens to install oil and gas heating systems again, albeit with future eco-fuel requirements.

The German federal government has approved an action plan to more effectively combat organized crime through increased networking between authorities, more personnel, and better technology.

The German government's newly presented working groups on right-wing extremism are advised to take their competent advisory board seriously and develop a robust action plan.

During his acceptance speech at the Berlinale film festival, director Abdallah Alkhatib referred to the German government as a 'partner in the genocide in Gaza,' leading to outrage and a walkout by Federal Environment Minister Schneider.
The French and German governments have sponsored a Sh7.2 billion program aimed at modernizing and boosting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya.

The German government has introduced a new fuel tax reduction, specifically lowering the mineral oil tax, in response to persistently high fuel prices. This measure aims to provide relief for commuters and other consumers.

The German government intends to restructure the oversight of its intelligence services, including the BND, Verfassungsschutz, and MAD, by changing the approval process for surveillance measures, a move that has sparked controversy.

A dispute has emerged within the German government regarding fuel price reductions, with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche proposing increased tax relief for commuters while rejecting the coalition SPD's call for a windfall tax, leading to a coalition crisis where the Chancellor is reportedly reining in his minister.

Following an agreed ceasefire in the Middle East, the German government has renewed talks with Iran, aiming to contribute to the success of future US-Iran negotiations to end the conflict.

Gabriel Felbermayr, the new 'Wirtschaftsweiser' (economic advisor) to the German government, has questioned the dogmatic assertion that free trade is always beneficial, suggesting Germany may be setting wrong priorities.

A new report from the Normenkontrollrat reveals significant shortcomings in the quality control and evaluation processes for laws produced by the German government.

The German Finance Ministry plans to significantly reduce the silver content in collector coins issued from this year due to highly fluctuating prices for the precious metal.

Iran's ambassador to Germany, Majid Nili, requested clarification from the German government regarding the use of the Ramstein air base by the US for attacks on Iran, questioning if it constitutes 'aggression' under UN Resolution 3314.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government is reportedly preparing a reform package by summer, which includes discussions on raising VAT and lowering wage taxation.
A report highlights concerns that higher government debt in Germany, particularly regarding the 'Sondervermögen,' does not necessarily lead to sensible investments and may instead encourage misuse.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has clearly positioned himself on the international law assessment of the US and Israeli war against Iran, contrasting with the German government's previous avoidance of such a statement, and is now fighting for his foreign policy legacy.

The German government has introduced a multibillion-euro climate package, which includes measures for 2000 additional wind turbines, aimed at accelerating the development of wind power and e-mobility, closing climate target gaps, and reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.

The German federal government is criticized for its reform stagnation, with figures like Merz and Klingbeil lacking courage and risk-taking, leading to a hesitant coalition even after SPD's election setbacks.

FDP politician Frank Schäffler has criticized the German government's management of credit-financed special assets, warning of the consequences of increasing national debt for future generations.

Germany's coalition government is discussing reforms to alleviate the burden on the middle class, but the Union and SPD parties are at odds over whether to achieve this through savings or by taxing the wealthy and inheritors.

The German government, led by Merz's coalition, is under pressure to implement major reforms, with its SPD partner weakened after recent state election defeats and facing calls to become a reform party with economic competence to address its decline and voter concerns, as the Chancellor is urged to end the 'grace period' for the SPD and address voter worries to prevent driving them to the AfD.

Germany's federal government is taking on significant loans, but critics argue these funds are not translating into actual investments. The government's defense of its debt strategy is seen by some as inadvertently highlighting the unnecessary nature of the borrowing.

The German government plans to temporarily ease regulations for exporting certain weapons, specifically for air and sea defense, to the Gulf region, citing 'indiscriminate attacks by Iran'.

Renowned economic institutes accuse the German Chancellor of squandering the 500-billion-euro record debt, while the ruling coalition denies using the 'special fund' solely for election gifts.

The German government plans to double the number of data centers by 2030 as part of its new strategy, aiming to boost AI infrastructure with simplified permits, despite existing location disadvantages.

A German Ifo Institute analysis revealed that the German government has largely used billions of euros in loans from a special fund, intended for infrastructure and climate investments, to fill budget gaps instead.

A 500-billion-euro special fund intended for infrastructure modernization has been 95% misused, according to an Ifo Institute calculation, raising concerns about the government's spending priorities.
German government says hostile takeover of Commerzbank would be unacceptable Reuters

The German government intends to introduce legislation aimed at combating the increase in fuel prices, seeking to mitigate the economic impact on consumers.

The German federal government is reportedly planning to cease funding for independent asylum counseling services, which could lead to financial difficulties for many support centers next year.

Moscow has accused the German government of discriminating against Russians and has issued a warning to its citizens regarding travel to Germany.

Travelers at Berlin Central Station are facing significant inconvenience as 35 out of 52 escalators are out of order, with some having been broken for weeks. The German government has reportedly become involved in addressing the technical problems.

The German government has accused mineral oil companies of price gouging without providing evidence, while citizens look to neighboring countries for cheaper fuel.

Expensive energy, rising prices and disrupted supply chains are all bad news for economic growth. The German government is alarmed by events in the Middle East.

The German government has proposed a 4.24% increase in pensions starting in July, which is expected to significantly exceed inflation and will also impact thousands of Czech citizens.

501 Afghan nationals are suing the German government, claiming that previously granted commitments for resettlement and entry into Europe have been revoked.

The German government convened a crisis meeting after several prize winners at this year’s event condemned Israel’s actions against Palestinians The American head of the Berlin film festival, Tricia…

The reform commission of the German federal government, tasked with addressing the debt brake, was on the verge of failure but has reportedly found a possible compromise line.

Friedrich Merz is publicly departing from a core conviction of German governments, dismantling the legacy of Baerbock's foreign policy, a move he has prepared for months.

Israel has sent its official government plane to Germany and parked it for safety at Berlin airport, German government sources said, after American and Israeli…
The German government has updated its emergency preparedness guidelines, recommending citizens stock at least a 10-day supply of food, an increase from the previous 72-hour recommendation.

A draft law from the German Ministry of Economics proposes ending subsidies for new private solar installations, drawing strong criticism from the SPD and Greens.

The German federal government aims to expedite infrastructure projects by making various adjustments, including potentially scaling back environmental protection measures.

Germany's Union and SPD parties have agreed on new rules for heating systems, sparking debate on whether the 'Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz' is a good approach or too short-sighted.

The German government's plan to use biogas for climate-friendly building heating under a new modernization law is being criticized by an expert from the German Biomass Research Centre as not a good idea.

The German government plans to systematically confiscate assets from criminals to cut off the 'lifeblood' of organized crime, revising rules for asset forfeiture as part of an action plan.

The German federal government, including the Union and SPD parties, aims to end delaying tactics that opponents exploit in state election campaigns. They emphasize that unity and clarity are not ends in themselves, but compromises should lead to greater economic strength.

The Berlinale film festival's closing ceremony was marked by multiple award winners condemning Israel's actions in Gaza, describing them as 'genocide', and criticizing the US and German governments.