Contargo Expands Electric Fleet with 33 DAF XD Electric Trucks, Advances Towards 2045 CO2 Neutrality Goal
German transport company Contargo has significantly expanded its electric truck fleet by deploying 33 new DAF XD Electric trucks. This addition brings their total electric truck count to 90, reinforcing the company's commitment to achieving CO2 neutrality by 2045. The trucks, featuring a 525 kWh battery capacity and over 500 km range, will operate across 15 German locations for container transport.
Germany and Poland Champion Joint Effort for Europe's Economic Revival
German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domański convened in Warsaw on February 2, 2026, to advocate for a concerted effort to revitalize Europe's economy. They underscored the shared responsibility of both nations in boosting the continent's competitiveness and accelerating growth amid prevailing economic sluggishness.
Germany's Gas Reserves Plummet to 32.9% Amidst Severe Winter, Sparking Energy Security Debate
Germany's natural gas reserves have fallen to 32.9% capacity as of February 1, 2026, due to severe winter temperatures. This sharp decline from previous years has ignited concerns over energy security, prompting a political debate despite government assurances.
Saudi Arabia and Germany Establish Green Hydrogen Corridor via Rostock Port
Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power, in collaboration with Germany's EnBW, Rostock Port, and VNG AG, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a green ammonia export corridor. This initiative aims to supply 200,000 tons of green hydrogen annually to Germany by 2030, utilizing Rostock as a crucial import and conversion hub to support Germany's energy transition.
Germany to Face Denmark in EHF EURO 2026 Final Today
The German men's handball team is set to compete against co-hosts Denmark in the EHF EURO 2026 final on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The highly anticipated match will take place at the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, Denmark, following Germany's semi-final victory over Croatia.
German Defence Minister Urges European Confidence Amidst US Political Uncertainty
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has called on European nations to exhibit greater confidence in their dealings with Washington, cautioning against 'fear-driven politics' influenced by Donald Trump. Speaking to the RND media group, Pistorius emphasized the need for Europe to become more sovereign and independent, asserting that fear leads to poor decision-making.
Germany is moving forward with a €600 million procurement of loitering munitions from Helsing and Stark Defence, with parliamentary approval anticipated in late February. This decision is heavily influenced by lessons from Ukraine's drone warfare, particularly the critical need for electronic warfare resilience in modern combat scenarios.
Arrest Made in Münstertal Asylum Accommodation Homicide Investigation
Authorities in Münstertal, Baden-Württemberg, have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the homicide of a 21-year-old Afghan national found dead in an asylum seekers' accommodation on Wednesday evening. The suspect, a flatmate of the victim, was apprehended on Friday.
German Unemployment Surpasses Three Million Mark in January
Germany's unadjusted unemployment figure rose to 3.085 million in January, marking the highest January level since 2014. This increase underscores a persistent lack of momentum in the labor market, despite the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate holding steady at 6.3%.
CDU/CSU Economic Wing Proposes Restrictions on 'Lifestyle Part-Time' Work in Germany
Germany's CDU/CSU parties are debating a proposal from their economic wing to restrict the legal right to part-time work, particularly for 'lifestyle' reasons. The move, aimed at boosting the economy and addressing skilled worker shortages, has sparked significant political and social debate across Germany. Exemptions would apply for childcare, caring for relatives, or training.
German Synodal Way Reaches Critical Juncture with Final Assembly for Permanent Body
The German Synodal Way, which formally concluded its assemblies in March 2023, is holding a final assembly from January 29-31, 2026, in Stuttgart to elect members for its proposed permanent synodal body. This marks a significant step in implementing its progressive resolutions, despite ongoing tensions and objections from the Vatican and some German bishops.
Germany and France Clash Over Ukraine's €90 Billion EU Loan Arms Procurement Rules
Germany and France are at odds over the terms of a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine, specifically concerning arms procurement. France advocates for prioritizing European defense industries, while Germany insists on flexibility for Ukraine to acquire weapons from any source to meet urgent needs.
Rheinland-Pfalz Civil Servant Leave Scandal: Public Prosecutor Initiates Preliminary Investigation into Embezzlement Allegations
A political scandal is unfolding in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, as the Mainz public prosecutor's office initiates preliminary investigations into allegations of embezzlement. The state government is accused of granting top civil servants, including State Secretaries, extended special leave for up to 12 years, allowing them to take highly paid management positions while retaining their civil servant status and pension rights. This practice has drawn sharp criticism from the State Audit Office and the Taxpayers' Association.
Germany's Inaugural 20-Year Bond Sale Attracts Overwhelming Investor Demand
Germany's first issuance of a new 20-year federal bond on January 27, 2026, successfully raised €6.5 billion. The May 2047 bond, carrying a 3.4% coupon, saw investor orders exceeding €73 billion, indicating near-record demand and a subscription rate over 11 times the offered amount. This strong interest highlights a growing investor appetite for longer-dated German debt.
Kazakhstan and Germany Hold Consultations to Boost Trade and Investment
Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and German Ambassador Monica Iversen met on January 26, 2026, for political consultations aimed at expanding trade, investment, and cultural cooperation. The discussions emphasized joint projects and strengthening business dialogue, building on a bilateral trade volume of $3.914 billion in 2025.
German Embassies Launch 'Diplomacy Meets Esports' League of Legends Tournament
The German Embassies in Seoul and Tokyo have announced '.DE (Diplomacy Meets Esports)', a League of Legends tournament aimed at fostering cultural diplomacy between Germany, South Korea, and Japan. The event features online qualifiers in February, culminating in an offline final in Tokyo on March 1, 2026, with amateur teams from all three nations competing.
German Green Party Leader Urges Increased Ukraine Aid, Including Taurus Missiles
Franziska Brantner, co-chair of Germany's Green Party, has called on the federal government to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems and long-range Taurus cruise missiles. Her statements underscore the ongoing debate in Germany regarding military support for Kyiv amidst continued Russian aggression.
Germany Braces for Widespread Traffic Chaos Amidst Severe Winter Weather Warnings
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued urgent warnings for significant traffic disruptions across Germany due to heavy snow, freezing rain, and black ice. Regions from the south to the east are particularly affected, with public transport cancellations and road closures anticipated for Monday, January 26, 2026.
Germany and African Union to Co-Host Third Sudan Conference in Berlin
Germany and the African Union will co-host the third international conference on Sudan in Berlin on April 15, 2026. The high-level meeting aims to bolster peace efforts and mobilize crucial humanitarian support for Sudan, which is grappling with a severe and protracted conflict. This conference follows previous gatherings in Paris and London, addressing the ongoing crisis that has displaced millions and led to widespread food insecurity.
German Foreign Minister Criticizes European Parliament's Mercosur Vote as 'Strategic Misjudgment'
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has sharply criticized the European Parliament's decision to refer the EU-Mercosur trade agreement to the European Court of Justice, labeling it a 'major strategic misjudgment'. The vote, which occurred on January 21, 2026, is expected to significantly delay the ratification of the long-negotiated deal.
