Germany
Merz expects provisional entry into force of Mercosur agreement
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced at the Deutsche Börse New Year's reception in Eschborn that the EU free trade agreement with Mercosur states will enter provisional force before the completion of an EuGH review. He views it as a path to greater European independence in an uncertain world order. The agreement was signed at the start of the year after more than 25 years of negotiations.
German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has presented a draft law to relieve administrative courts and speed up procedures. The German Judges' Association welcomes the direction but criticizes the plans as insufficient and demands more staff. A new wave of asylum lawsuits is intensifying pressure on the courts.
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The EU Commission has partially rolled back the planned 2035 combustion engine ban, which a study by the think tank Transport & Environment says could lead to higher CO₂ emissions and declining EV sales. The original 100 percent CO₂ reduction was softened to 90 percent, reducing the share of pure electric vehicles to 85 percent. Experts fear job losses in the German automotive industry.
The pop musical '& Julia' celebrated its final performance at the Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg. Around half a million spectators attended the show since its premiere on October 30, 2024. Stephan Jaekel from Stage Entertainment praised the success as remarkable.
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Former CDU politician and Bundestag president Rita Süssmuth has died at the age of 88. She passed away on Sunday, as announced by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, apparently due to complications from breast cancer she publicly disclosed in June 2024. Politicians and public figures praise her as a champion for democracy, women's rights, and an open society.
The Verdi union has called for a nationwide warning strike in communal public transport on February 2, which will largely paralyze local transit in cities like Kiel, Lübeck, Neumünster, and Flensburg. Employees bear the risk for delays and should discuss alternatives with supervisors early. Bus companies are primarily affected, while some long-distance services continue to operate.
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The Verdi Nord union has announced warning strikes at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) in Kiel and Lübeck for February 2 to 5. The strikes target economically vital areas, while emergency and acute care remains secured. Patients should expect restrictions in scheduled treatments.
Germany lags in protecting against sexual harassment
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