Bild: The best retirement strategy at 30, 40, 50, 60 / Die beste Altersvorsorge mit 30, 40, 50, 60 Jahren
FAZ: Japan accepts 15% tariff on all exports to the U.S. / Japan akzeptiert 15-Prozent-Zoll auf alle Exporte nach Amerika
Funke: Museum of Modern Art delayed by at least a year / Museum der Moderne verzögert sich um mindestens ein Jahr
Handelsblatt: New ranking of electric vehicles / Neue Rangordnung bei E-Autos
RND: Final dream shattered: German women lose to Spain in extra time / Finaltraum platzt dramatisch: DFB-Frauen scheitern gegen Spanien nach Verlängerung
Süddeutsche Zeitung: Bundeswehr to rearm more quickly / Bundeswehr soll schneller aufrüsten
Tagesspiegel: Hunger in Gaza: Over 100 organizations demand more aid / Hunger im Gaza-Streifen: Mehr als 100 Organisationen fordern mehr Hilfe
taz: Direct challenge to Zelensky / Kampfansage an Selenskyj
Welt: Fierce protests against Ukrainian president / Heftige Proteste gegen den ukrainischen Präsidenten
WHO warns of deadly hunger crisis in Gaza Strip. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated in Geneva that 2.1 million people are trapped in the war zone. In addition to bombs and bullets, they are now facing another deadly threat—starvation. Every day sees a rise in deaths due to malnutrition. According to the World Food Programme, a quarter of the population is now living under famine-like conditions. zdfheute.de, tagesschau.de, n-tv.de
- More than 100 organizations are warning of a massive famine and calling on Israel to allow free access for aid deliveries by the UN. The situation in the Palestinian territory has deteriorated since the controversial „Gaza Humanitarian Foundation“ took over food distribution at the end of May.
- Following the damage to a central warehouse in Deir al-Balah, the WHO spoke of a „systematic destruction of health facilities“ without specifically blaming any party for it. The WHO had accused the Israeli army of invading facilities in Deir al-Balah and arresting employees there.
Several Hamas fighters killed in airstrike. The Israeli army initially gave no specific figures on the number of extremists killed in the attack on Jabalia. Israeli troops were said to be operating in Gaza City and the northern part of the coastal strip. On Tuesday, more than 120 targets across the Gaza Strip were reportedly hit, including militant cells, tunnels, and buildings rigged with explosives.
- Israel accuses the UN emergency aid agency OCHA of bias and links to the militant Islamist group Hamas. Israel has found „clear evidence of Hamas links within the ranks of OCHA,“ UN Ambassador Danny Danon told the UN Security Council on Wednesday. Hundreds of OCHA employees are therefore undergoing security checks.
- Israel called the attack on a Catholic church in Gaza City an accident in an investigation report and spoke of an „unintended munitions deviation.“ The guidelines for the use of munitions near religious buildings, shelters, and other sensitive locations have since been further clarified.
- Relatives of the hostages in the Gaza Strip have appealed in Washington for another agreement on the release of the remaining hostages. Former hostage Keith Siegel warned that the Israeli army’s military operation in the Gaza Strip was endangering the lives of the remaining hostages.
Further demands from the SPD regarding approval of the appeal to end the Gaza war: SPD Secretary General Tim Klüssendorf said on Wednesday on Welt TV that his party had been criticizing Israel“s actions in the Gaza Strip for months. However, this had had no effect. „That“s why I believe that when countries like France or Great Britain sign such a declaration, one has to ask why Germany is not signing it. Because we all must be moved to end this suffering. And that“s why I would be pleased if we also supported such international activities.“ welt.de
- Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, accuses the SPD of „betraying the hostages.“ He says it is irresponsible to demand German support for the statement by 28 countries calling for an end to the Gaza war at this particular moment. This sends a signal to Hamas that it is worthwhile to drag out the negotiations. hna.de
Negotiations between representatives from Kyiv and Moscow ended after 40 minutes: both countries want to exchange more prisoners. According to Russian sources, 1,200 prisoners are to be handed over on each side, including civilians. Expectations for the talks at Istanbul“s Ciragan Palace were low. Both sides in the conflict had described a breakthrough for a peaceful solution as unlikely. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umjerow, called on Russia to be constructive and realistic. He proposed a summit meeting at the end of August. Russia“s chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinski, said a meeting between the presidents should only take place to sign documents, not to hold discussions. zdfheute.de, tagesschau.de, tagesschau.de
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces new law on anti-corruption agencies: In his daily video address, he said the measure was intended to guarantee the independence of the institutions and respond to the concerns of the protesters. Zelensky was responding to criticism of a law that parliament had previously passed at breakneck speed, placing the most important anti-corruption authorities under the control of the Attorney General’s Office. In the evening, thousands of people demonstrated again in Kyiv against the parliamentary decision. orf.at, zeit.de
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron want to discuss the controversial anti-corruption measures with Volodymyr Zelensky. Both have pointed out that Ukraine is currently at an important crossroads on its path toward the EU, explained government spokesman Stefan Kornelius.
- Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy“s decision, saying it „burdens Ukraine“s path to the EU.“ He expects Ukraine to continue its fight against corruption consistently. That is why he also met with the heads of the Nabu and Sapo authorities during his visit to Kyiv.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasize the Franco-German partnership: At the start of the meeting in Berlin, Merz said this friendship rests on a foundation that has grown over decades; it is seen as a major responsibility to continue building on it. Macron highlighted his close personal relationship with Merz. They share the will to create stability and be respected as partners. This is Macron“s first visit since the change of government in Berlin. The working meeting focuses, among other things, on European defense and foreign policy. handelsblatt.com, zdfheute.de
- The subject of the talks is the tariff dispute with the United States. Friedrich Merz hinted that an agreement may be imminent. According to a report by the Financial Times, the U.S. and the EU are nearing a deal on 15 percent U.S. tariffs. Despite the progress, the EU is still preparing a retaliation package worth 93 billion euros in case the negotiations fail. zeit.de
Cabinet:
- Faster rearmament of the Bundeswehr: A draft law passed by the cabinet proposes loosening the requirement for public tenders on defense contracts. Environmental standards, such as those for barracks construction, will also be reduced. The goal is to procure weapons systems more quickly and in greater numbers than before, said Economics Minister Katherina Reiche. zdfheute.de
- Federal police officers will soon be allowed to use so-called tasers across the board: According to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, the taser operates between a baton as a close-range weapon and a firearm as a long-range weapon. Especially in times of increasing violent attacks, such as with knives, the taser is a useful addition to police equipment, Dobrindt emphasized. n-tv.de
- Saarland and Bremen will also benefit from exceptions to the debt brake: these two heavily indebted federal states are to be granted greater financial leeway. Despite receiving millions in federal aid, they will still be allowed to take on new debt of up to 0.35 percent of GDP. stern.de
Germany clears the way for Eurofighter exports to Turkey: The Ministry of Defense has issued written approval for the export of the military aircraft, said government spokesman Stefan Kornelius. The UK and Turkey signed a declaration of intent for the export of fighter jets. Ankara wants to buy 40 Eurofighters, which are assembled in the UK. The deal had previously failed due to the lack of approval from Berlin. Since Germany is a partner in the joint European project, it must give its consent. n-tv.de, zeit.de, zdfheute.de
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig wants stronger protection against terrorism and espionage: a draft bill proposes tougher penalties for preparing terrorist attacks. The criminal offense of intelligence agency activity is also to be tightened. The goal is to enhance public safety. lto.de
Transport Ministry wants to propose ways to lower the cost of getting a driver’s license. Germany’s ruling coalition plans to soon present proposals to make getting a driver’s license more affordable. SPD parliamentary leader Dirk Wiese said that the current cost—up to €4,000—is increasingly unaffordable for young people. A working group in the Transport Ministry has already been formed to identify ways to reduce costs. Wiese emphasized that this would show the younger generation that the coalition is following through on its promises. The SPD and CDU/CSU had agreed to reform driver training while maintaining high safety and quality standards. The move comes in response to license costs rising much faster than general inflation since 2020, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
More News:
The Refugee Council sharply criticizes the deportation of a Yazidi family with four underage children to Iraq. stern.de
Bavaria: Munich Airport plans deportation terminal. A dispute has emerged over Munich Airport’s plan to build a new deportation terminal to facilitate more deportations of rejected asylum seekers. The city of Freising has voted against the preferred location, which lies within its jurisdiction. The terminal, requested by Munich Airport on behalf of the Federal Police, would house asylum seekers awaiting deportation or undergoing airport asylum procedures. If approved, the terminal would accommodate up to 100 deportees per day. br.de
Berlin: No further cuts planned for universities. rbb24.de
Berlin: Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer insists on the Unity Monument despite renewed construction halt. morgenpost.de
Berlin: Satirist El Hotzo acquitted over joke about Trump assassination attempt. lto.de
Saxony-Anhalt: „Judensau“ sculpture to be covered by artwork .rp-online.de
NRW: Multi-million health campus project in Borghorst on hold. wdr.de
15 percent tariff likely: USA and EU move closer in trade dispute. n-tv.de
EU and Japan want to deepen economic cooperation: At a summit in Tokyo, the EU Commission and the Japanese government announced plans to significantly increase bilateral trade. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the aim is to counter economic coercion and combat unfair trade practices. Observers say this is aimed at China, which has imposed restrictions on the export of rare earths—materials on which industrial companies in Japan and the EU depend. Unlike the EU, Japan has already built up reserves of these raw materials to avoid political pressure from third countries. handelsblatt.com, de.euronews.com
EU Agency for Fundamental Rights insists on sanctions against third countries: Third countries such as Russia and Belarus are increasingly trying to put pressure on the EU through orchestrated migration movements. The Brussels-based agency stated that, instead of punishing refugees, further sanctions should be imposed on the countries involved. In addition, transport companies involved in smuggling should be targeted. Swift deportation procedures, as planned in the new EU migration pact, could help relieve the situation. n-tv.de
Countries could be entitled to climate change compensation: The International Court of Justice is calling on all countries to step up efforts to combat climate change and, in a legal opinion, declared a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment a human right. Countries that refuse to contribute to limiting global warming are acting in violation of international law. The UN’s highest court in The Hague also stated that countries harmed by climate change could, under certain conditions, be entitled to compensation. What they are entitled to in specific cases would have to be determined individually. lto.de, stern.de, sueddeutsche.de, tagesschau.de
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk reshuffles government: In light of the difficult international situation, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski will also be appointed Deputy Prime Minister. According to polls, Sikorski is the most popular politician in the country. Two ministries will be restructured: Marcin Kierwinski is to take over the Interior Ministry, and the ministries for climate and environment, as well as industry, will be merged into a Ministry of Energy—along with finance and economy. In total, the government will shrink from 26 to 21 ministerial posts, said Tusk, who leads a pro-European center-left government. The background is the upcoming inauguration of new President Karol Nawrocki, who is considered an EU skeptic. It is expected that the PiS party politician will use his veto power against government proposals even more than the current right-wing nationalist president Andrzej Duda. faz.net, tagesschau.de, n-tv.de
Mores News:
- Greece: Foreign workers urgently needed. dw.com
- Hungary: Fast-track reform destabilizes the social sciences. faz.net
- Netherlands: Administrative court prohibits deportation of single men to Belgium. rnd.de
- Norway: U.S. embassy guard charged with espionage. spiegel.de
Speculation about sabotage in Iran: A series of explosions and fires across the country is raising speculation after the ceasefire with Israel took effect. While Tehran officially refers to accidents and avoids accusations, several Iranian officials anonymously told The New York Times they suspect sabotage. There is currently no evidence. Some explosions occurred in industrial zones, including the country’s largest oil refinery. Explosions were also reported in residential areas.
- Iran: Thousands protest over water shortages and power outages. puls24.at
- Afghanistan: Taliban refuse to release a British couple.
- Syria: Interim government initiates investigation into conflict between Druze and Bedouins. dw.com
U.S. President Donald Trump’s name reportedly appears multiple times in Epstein files: Trump is named in Justice Department records related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, a government official confirmed. The Wall Street Journal reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump in May, although the administration initially denied the report. The revelations are refocusing attention on Trump’s former friendship with Epstein and may harm him politically. Trump denies any wrongdoing and says he ended the friendship before Epstein’s first conviction. zeit.de, n-tv.de
- Court in Florida rejects Trump administration’s request to release Epstein files, ruling that there were no extraordinary circumstances to justify disclosure. spiegel.de
- Author Michael Wolff on the Epstein scandal: „Epstein knew a lot about Trump. He knew Trump’s secrets.“ spiegel.de
- CNN confronts Trump with Epstein photos – he hangs up. stern.de
U.S. government presents AI strategy: The action plan aims to make the U.S. the leading country in artificial intelligence. It includes measures to facilitate data center construction and promote AI tech exports. At the same time, the government announced it would oppose what it sees as one-sided liberal bias in chatbots like ChatGPT or Google Gemini. In future, federal agencies will be prohibited from signing contracts with providers whose systems are deemed ideologically biased. faz.net
- Donald Trump wants to exclude Elon Musk from government contracts. handelsblatt.com
- Kennedy Center opera house to be renamed „First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.“
- U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee excludes trans women athletes.
- Columbia University settles with U.S. government in funding dispute. puls24.at
- U.S. government questions Harvard’s role in visa program. zeit.de
Brazil: Former president Jair Bolsonaro denies allegations of violating a court-imposed social media ban.
Three-quarters reject longer workdays, one-quarter in favor: A recent survey by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) shows that 72 percent of employees in Germany do not want to work more than eight hours a day. Only 26 percent are willing to work between eight and ten hours daily, while nearly all respondents reject exceeding the ten-hour limit. Regarding start times, 73 percent prefer to begin work between 6 and 9 a.m., and 95 percent want to finish by 6 p.m. at the latest. The DGB criticizes that the planned reform of the Working Hours Act does not sufficiently reflect employees’ preferences. Most respondents also oppose splitting up the workday. n-tv.de, tagesschau.de
More news:
- AI talent increasingly unsettled by U.S. policy. handelsblatt.com
- ChatGPT ahead of the competition: Many Europeans prefer AI over search engines. n-tv.de
- Number of ATMs in Germany drops below 50,000. n-tv.de
- Investigations confirm suspicion: WEF founder Klaus Schwab harassed and discriminated against women. n-tv.de
- Julia Becker joins the FAZ supervisory board; Katarzyna Mol-Wolf exits. kress.de
- Poor results for Musk: Tesla reports its biggest revenue decline in over ten years.spiegel.de
- Euro 2024 semifinals: Germany loses to Spain in extra time. faz.net
Mitte Daily is your guide to the new myth of Berlin—where everyday life meets culture, curiosity, and local flair. Launched by Dima Samarin in the midst of 2020, it has since evolved into a trusted source for hyperlocal insights, covering everything from lifestyle and food to the hidden corners of the city. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and become part of a growing community that sees Berlin not just as a place, but as a mindset.
German has a word for „the empty space on a shelf where a book used to be“ – it’s „Regallücke“.
Yep, the language loves being ultra-specific. While it’s not a commonly used term, it shows how German can build oddly satisfying (and sometimes absurd) compound nouns to describe hyper-precise situations. Want to describe the feeling of books not being where they should be? No problem, just mash Regal (shelf) and Lücke (gap) together. Voilá: Regallücke.
Other fun ones in the same spirit:
-Kabelsalat – literally „cable salad,“ for tangled cords.
-Treppenwitz – the clever comeback you only think of after leaving the staircase.