- 9h ago
Steinmeier and Merz join Ahr Valley survivors on fifth anniversary of flood that killed more than 180
Five years after the Ahr Valley flash flood killed more than 180 people, Germany's highest officials gather in the hardest-hit towns for a day of remembrance, reflection on the slow rebuild, and solidarity with survivors.
- 2d ago
Steinmeier calls German coalition's reforms a move into 'forward play,' defends 1 billion euro palace renovation
In a ZDF summer interview from Villa Hammerschmidt in Bonn, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed the black-red coalition's reform package as ending 'self-blockade' and entering a new phase, while also addressing the upcoming Saxony-Anhalt state election and the renovation costs of Schloss Bellevue.
- Jul 4
Russia claims capture of Kostiantynivka as Kyiv death toll from massive air attack reaches 30
A record Russian ballistic missile barrage on Kyiv killed at least 30 people and injured 91, while Moscow said its forces seized the Donetsk region city of Kostiantynivka, a potential stepping stone toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
- Jun 28
Kieler Woche 2026 attracts three million visitors, police report fewer crimes despite summer heat
The nine-day sailing regatta and folk festival in Kiel drew around 3 million guests, down from 3.3 million in 2025. Authorities described the atmosphere as peaceful and considerate even as temperatures soared, with criminal offences falling 21% year on year.
- Jun 20
Steinmeier opens 132nd Kiel Week with a sail on the Malizia Explorer and 500 concerts ahead
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the 132nd Kieler Woche on June 20, 2026, after a sailing trip on the research yacht Malizia Explorer with round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann. The nine-day festival combines the world's largest sailing regatta with 500 concerts and public Viewings of Germany's World Cup matches.
- Jun 18
David Safier turns CDU politician Armin Laschet into reluctant spy in new James Bond parody '00-Laschet'
Bestselling author David Safier follows his 'Miss Merkel' series with a comedy novel in which Armin Laschet, as Germany's president, stumbles into a secret agent role and must save the world. The book is published on 19 June.
