German authorities have issued a stark warning regarding a significant increase in hard drug use, particularly synthetic narcotics, across the country. Seizures of new psychoactive substances more than tripled in 2024, with officials highlighting a 'massive drug problem' driven by rising availability and sophisticated trafficking methods.
Germany is grappling with a rapidly escalating bird flu outbreak, primarily involving the H5N1 subtype, impacting both wild bird populations and commercial poultry farms. German Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has confirmed a 'very rapid increase in infections' over the past two weeks. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut has elevated risk assessments, with over 1,000 cranes found dead and tens of thousands of poultry culled across multiple federal states in an effort to contain the virus.
China has surpassed the United States to become Germany's leading trading partner in the first eight months of 2025, driven by a significant decline in German exports to the US due to renewed tariffs. This shift reverses the trend from 2024, with total trade between Germany and China reaching €163.4 billion.
Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has increased the maximum quantity of cannabis imports for medical and scientific purposes by 70 tonnes, bringing the total to approximately 192.5 tonnes. This adjustment comes after the previous 2025 import quota was exhausted, reflecting a rapidly growing demand in the German medical cannabis market.
A recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a poultry farm in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has necessitated the culling of approximately 15,000 birds. Authorities have implemented strict containment measures to prevent further spread of the H5N1 virus.
Germany's chemical industry is projected to experience a steeper production decline in 2025, with forecasts indicating a drop of over 2%. This downturn is primarily attributed to persistently high energy costs, a significant shortage of skilled workers, and intensified competition from China, alongside regulatory burdens and weak demand.
The ifo Institute has issued a warning that Germany's infrastructure projects face substantial cost increases. This surge in prices is anticipated due to heightened demand stemming from the new 500 billion euro debt-financed Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality, coupled with existing capacity bottlenecks and skilled labor shortages in the construction sector.
A 44-year-old woman in central Germany nearly died from a Seoul virus infection traced back to a private pet rat breeding facility. The rare hantavirus, transmitted by rats, caused acute kidney injury, highlighting public health concerns regarding pet rodents.
Thousands gathered in Berlin to protest Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent immigration comments, which critics labeled racist and discriminatory. The remarks, linking irregular migrants to 'cityscape problems' and referencing 'daughters,' sparked widespread outrage and calls for an apology.
Farsoon Europe GmbH is set to open its new Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre and permanent European headquarters in Sindelfingen, Germany, on October 16, 2025. This facility will serve as a central hub for industrial additive manufacturing development, focusing on series production readiness, supply chain resilience, and collaborative industrialization.
Germany is set to build an initial 12.5 GW of gas-fired power plants, designed to be hydrogen-ready but without an immediate conversion mandate. These plants are critical for grid stability and replacing coal, with tenders expected by early 2025 and backed by significant subsidies.
Fugro has finalized extensive land and marine site investigations for TenneT Germany's LanWin1 and LanWin2 offshore grid connection projects. These surveys provide essential Geo-data for cable routing and installation, supporting Germany's 2 GW program to deliver clean energy to millions of European households.
Five Palestinian plaintiffs, supported by German and Palestinian human rights organizations including ECCHR, have filed a complaint at Germany's Federal Constitutional Court. The legal challenge targets German arms export licenses to Israel, specifically tank transmissions, arguing they violate constitutional duties and international law amidst the conflict in Gaza.
Jan Böhmermann and Gruppe Royale's 'Die Möglichkeit der Unvernunft' exhibition at Berlin's HKW concluded on October 19, 2025, attracting over 30,000 visitors. The three-week 'HKW-Takeover' featured art, performances, and discussions on societal issues, sparking debate on freedom of speech and the intersection of politics and culture.
Germany will deploy three unarmed military personnel, including a brigadier general, to a US-led Civil Military Coordination Center in southern Israel. Their mission is to support the monitoring of the Gaza ceasefire, coordinate humanitarian aid, and assist in planning for a multinational stabilization force.
Germany's Lisa Tertsch secured a historic victory at the WTCS Final in Wollongong, Australia, becoming the first German woman to win a World Championship title in the Olympic distance triathlon. Her dominant performance saw her overcome top contenders.
The IHK Business Survey for Autumn 2025 indicates that economic sentiment in Saxony, Germany, remains very low. The IHK Business Climate Index has fallen to 97 points, reflecting stagnating sales, declining orders, and rising costs across approximately 1,800 surveyed companies. No significant recovery is anticipated in the coming months.
Michael Vassiliadis, chairman of the IG BCE industrial union, has issued a stark warning about thousands of impending job losses in German industry. Citing high energy costs, geopolitical tensions, and structural challenges, Vassiliadis highlighted an 'existential site crisis' threatening the nation's industrial base.
Deutsche Bahn has presented its new ICE L train in Berlin, featuring step-free entry, improved mobile reception, and redesigned interiors. Manufactured by Spanish company Talgo, the train aims to enhance passenger comfort and accessibility, with initial services set to begin in December 2025 between Berlin and Cologne.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Turkey to continue pressuring Hamas after the Gaza ceasefire agreement. His remarks came during a visit to Ankara, emphasizing Turkey's 'responsible role' in implementing the 20-point peace plan and ensuring Hamas's disarmament.
