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German Economy Shows Resilience in Second Quarter

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Germany’s economy likely recorded modest growth in the second quarter of 2026 despite challenges from the Middle East conflict, according to the Bundesbank. The central bank said strong industrial activity, steady exports, and resilient consumer spending helped offset the impact of higher energy and commodity prices.

The Bundesbank noted that Germany’s industrial sector benefited from robust foreign demand, while consumers continued spending despite rising energy costs and reduced purchasing power. Temporary factors, including supply shortages affecting some Asian competitors and early purchasing by customers anticipating future disruptions, also supported economic activity.

Looking ahead, the Bundesbank said economic pressures could ease if the conflict in the Middle East does not escalate further, though it warned that the war will likely continue to weigh on growth and inflation. The bank currently forecasts Germany’s economy to expand by 0.5% in 2026, with growth expected to improve to 0.8% next year.

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Jolie, Blanchett Urge Stronger Refugee Protections

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Actors Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett, along with Archbishop Sarah Mullally and other public figures, have called on governments to uphold refugee protections as the 1951 UN Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary. The appeal comes as the United Nations warns that growing restrictions on asylum systems are putting vulnerable people at greater risk despite continued public support for offering safe refuge.

The UN refugee agency released a statement titled “The Promise”, signed by celebrities, athletes, business leaders and faith leaders, reaffirming support for the convention. UN High Commissioner Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president and refugee, said the agreement has saved millions of lives and urged nations to honour the commitment made to protect people forced to flee conflict and persecution.

The call comes amid increasing global displacement, tighter border controls in several countries, and financial challenges facing the UN refugee agency after major donor cuts. Rights groups have also expressed concern over stricter asylum policies in parts of Europe and the United States, warning they could weaken long-standing international refugee protections.

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Finland Closes Airspace Near Russia Over Drone Risk

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Finland has temporarily closed part of its airspace and restricted maritime traffic along its southern coast near the Russian border due to the risk of stray drones entering the area. The Finnish military said the measures are intended to ensure authorities can respond safely if drones cross into the region and to protect the public.

The move follows several incidents this year in which military drones linked to the Ukraine-Russia conflict reportedly entered the airspace of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These events have raised concerns that the ongoing war could increasingly affect NATO’s northern borders.

Finnish military officials declined to reveal the source of intelligence regarding the possible drone activity, citing operational security. While Ukraine and NATO have blamed Russian signal jamming for causing some drones to stray into neighbouring countries, Russia has accused Ukraine of deliberately directing drones across international borders.

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Google Faces Wave of Lawsuits After EU Fine

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Google is facing a growing number of private lawsuits across Europe after receiving a record $1 billion fine under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Legal experts say the ruling could encourage more companies to seek damages, with total claims potentially reaching $10 billion. The EU found that Google unfairly favored its own services and restricted app developers from directing users to cheaper payment options outside Google Play.

Several companies, including price comparison websites and technology firms, have already filed multibillion-dollar claims, arguing that Google’s business practices harmed competition over many years. Google has rejected the allegations, saying the lawsuits are driven by companies seeking financial payouts instead of investing in innovation. More legal actions are reportedly being prepared in multiple European countries.

The new lawsuits add to the billions of dollars in antitrust fines Google has already paid in Europe over the past decade. While recent court decisions have strengthened the position of Google’s rivals, legal experts expect appeals and compensation cases to take several years before reaching a final outcome.

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Germany’s Sick Leave Debate Highlights Workplace Stress

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Germany’s proposed crackdown on sick leave rules is facing criticism from researchers, who argue that rising absenteeism is driven more by worsening workplace conditions than by misuse of the system. The government plans to tighten sick-note requirements to improve productivity, but experts say mental health challenges, staff shortages, and demanding work environments are the real causes behind increasing sick leave.

Healthcare, education, and social services have recorded the highest levels of absenteeism, with researchers pointing to chronic understaffing, low pay, emotional strain, and burnout. Mental health-related sick leave has risen significantly over the past decade, even though such cases account for a relatively small share of total illnesses.

Studies have found little evidence that generous sick-pay policies or telephone sick notes are being widely abused. Instead, experts say improved electronic reporting and waves of respiratory illnesses largely explain the rise in recorded absences. Critics argue that improving working conditions, rather than imposing stricter sick-leave rules, is the key to reducing long-term absenteeism.

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Musk Draws Attention With Controversial Film

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Elon Musk has sparked fresh controversy after promoting Citizen Vigilante, a violent film starring Armie Hammer, by making it free to watch on X for 48 hours. The film, directed by German filmmaker Uwe Boll, depicts a vigilante targeting migrants, police, and government officials, and gained widespread attention after Musk’s endorsement despite initially receiving little recognition.

The promotion has renewed scrutiny of Musk’s growing support for right-wing political figures and anti-immigration movements across Europe. Critics argue that his activity on X has amplified far-right narratives, including support for the concept of “remigration,” while some researchers claim his platform has become influential in spreading extremist viewpoints.

Musk has defended his actions by describing the film as worth watching and denying that Europe is beyond repair, though he continues to express concerns about immigration and public safety. Supporters view his stance as a defense of free speech, while critics warn that his influence is helping normalize divisive and extremist rhetoric across Europe.

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Berlin Pride Attack Suspect Killed

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The man suspected of carrying out the deadly attack at Berlin Pride has been shot and killed during a police operation in the Spandau district of the German capital. Authorities said the 21-year-old suspect allegedly rushed at officers with a knife, prompting police to open fire. The attack, which involved a vehicle being driven into a crowd followed by a stabbing, left one woman dead and at least 29 others injured.

German officials said evidence suggests the incident was likely an Islamist terrorist attack. According to prosecutors, the suspect had a criminal record and had previously been convicted for preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state. Investigators also said he had traveled to Lebanon in 2025, where he allegedly attempted to establish links with the Islamic State group.

Following the attack, Germany announced heightened security measures and increased the national threat level. Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the scene, pledging to protect the country’s freedom and openness while condemning extremism. Members of Berlin’s LGBTQ+ community later gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to honor the victims and reaffirm their commitment to celebrating Pride despite the tragedy.

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Pirlo Withdraws from Italy Coach Race

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Andrea Pirlo has announced that he is no longer a candidate to become Italy’s national football coach after facing criticism over his links to Russian betting company Fonbet. Although his appointment had not been officially confirmed, he was widely expected to take the role before political and public backlash intensified.

Several Italian politicians opposed Pirlo’s candidacy, citing his position as a global ambassador for Fonbet and his participation in events held in Russia alongside pro-Kremlin figures. In response, Pirlo said his involvement was purely commercial and sporting, rejecting claims that it reflected any political stance or personal beliefs.

The controversy has created uncertainty within the Italian Football Federation as it searches for a new head coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure. Italian media report that Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are now among the leading candidates, while questions also surround the future of technical director Paolo Maldini.

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Five Bosnian Climbers Die on Mount Elbrus

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Five climbers from Bosnia and Herzegovina have been confirmed dead after being caught in a severe storm on Russia’s Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. Rescue teams managed to evacuate two survivors, who were taken for medical treatment, while recovery efforts continue under difficult weather conditions.

Russian emergency authorities recovered the bodies of two climbers from an altitude of around 5,350 metres. The bodies of three more victims have been located, but poor weather and strong winds have delayed their evacuation from the mountain.

According to Bosnian media, the seven-member climbing expedition was from the town of Zenica and included a married couple and a female doctor. Mount Elbrus, standing at 5,642 metres near the Georgia border, is known for its rapidly changing weather, making rescue operations particularly challenging.

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Swiss Lawmakers Seek Balanced Capital Rules for UBS Amid Stability Debate

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Swiss lawmakers are preparing to debate new capital requirements for UBS next month as they look to strengthen the country’s banking system while ensuring the lender remains globally competitive. The proposed rules, introduced after the 2023 collapse of Credit Suisse, originally called for UBS to hold around $20 billion in additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital. However, many lawmakers believe the requirement may be reduced to avoid discouraging investors and limiting the bank’s growth.

Parliamentary discussions are expected to focus on lowering the amount of CET1 capital required to support UBS’ foreign operations. Proposals under consideration range from requiring 50% to 80% capital backing instead of the government’s proposed 100%, potentially reducing the additional capital requirement to between $12 billion and zero. Swiss regulators, including the Swiss National Bank, have warned that weaker capital rules could increase financial risks and leave taxpayers exposed during future banking crises.

UBS has argued that stricter capital requirements would reduce funds available for share buybacks, technology investments, including AI, and international expansion, while also affecting employee bonuses and increasing costs for customers. Lawmakers are therefore exploring a compromise that could allow the bank to use Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital alongside CET1, aiming to improve financial stability without placing an excessive burden on Switzerland’s largest bank. Final legislation is expected to be considered later this year.

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