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Nexperia Chip Shipments Resume Amid Easing Trade Tensions

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Semiconductor maker Nexperia has restarted some chip deliveries after weeks of disruption caused by a dispute between the Netherlands and China over technology transfers. German officials welcomed the signs of “de-escalation,” expressing hope that temporary permits would soon restore supply to Europe’s major automotive industry.

Germany’s Aumovio has secured exemptions from Chinese export controls, becoming the first supplier to confirm resumed access to Nexperia chips. Honda also reported progress, saying shipments in China had begun and production at affected plants in North America could restart as early as next week, though uncertainty remains.

Nexperia, which is Chinese-owned but headquartered in the Netherlands, produces essential components for car electronics. Suppliers had warned they might furlough workers if shortages continued. While Nexperia expects product flows to normalize soon, European automakers like Volkswagen remain cautious, warning that chip constraints could still threaten output into 2025.

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Germany Bans Muslim Interaktiv Over Alleged Anti-Constitutional Activities

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German authorities have banned the activist influencer group Muslim Interaktiv, accusing it of promoting anti-constitutional goals by calling for the establishment of a caliphate. The Interior Ministry said the group, which is active online and organizes demonstrations, would be dissolved and its assets seized. Muslim Interaktiv denies claims that it seeks to undermine Germany’s social order, insisting that it supports the German constitution.

Alongside the ban, police raided multiple properties connected to two other Islamic organizations — Generation Islam and Realitaet Islam — as part of ongoing investigations into similar suspicions. The move comes amid heightened tensions between the German government and sections of the Muslim community, intensified by Berlin’s strong support for Israel since the Gaza conflict escalated in 2023. Recent remarks by Chancellor Friedrich Merz about deportations and “urban spaces” have further fueled criticism.

The action follows a major demonstration in Hamburg last year where Muslim Interaktiv supporters held up banners reading “Caliphate is the solution.” Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said authorities would act firmly against anyone who incites hatred against Israel or rejects democratic values. In a statement posted online, the group reiterated its recognition of Germany’s Basic Law but rejected what it described as state interference in its religious beliefs.

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Germany to Ban Online Cannabis Sales Amid Surge in Imports

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Germany’s federal cabinet has approved new measures to curb the online sale of cannabis, following a sharp rise in imports since the country legalised recreational use of the drug in April 2024. The amendment will mandate in-person consultations with doctors for cannabis prescriptions and prohibit mail-order deliveries, limiting distribution to physical pharmacies to ensure proper patient counselling.

Health Minister Nina Warken said the move was prompted by a “massive increase in cannabis imports” and the growing trend of online prescriptions issued without direct medical contact. Government data showed that cannabis imports in the first half of 2025 surged by more than 400% compared to the same period last year, though prescriptions through the social health insurance system only rose slightly.

While Warken assured that patients with genuine medical needs would still have access to the drug, concerns have been raised about rural patients. A spokesperson for Jiroo, a Berlin pharmacy specialising in cannabis, told Reuters the restrictions could make access difficult for people living in remote areas with limited healthcare services.

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Far-Right Bloc Enters German Parliament in Historic Election Result

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The largest far-right contingent in Germany’s Bundestag since World War II is set to take office as the new parliament convenes, following the February 23 election. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured 152 seats, doubling its previous representation and achieving the strongest performance by a far-right party in decades. Economic struggles, ongoing recession, and concerns over Russia’s war in Ukraine contributed to the AfD’s surge, narrowing the gap between them and the election-winning conservatives.

The new AfD lawmakers include controversial figures such as Maximilian Krah, who was previously excluded from the European Parliament over pro-SS remarks, and Mathias Helferich, who once referred to himself as “the friendly face of the Nazis.” The party, originally founded as an anti-euro movement, has shifted further to the nationalist right, advocating anti-immigration policies, support for Russia, and the dissolution of the European Union. Despite falling short of the 25% needed to set up parliamentary inquiries, its strong presence will influence political discourse and challenge the mainstream parties.

As the political landscape shifts, conservative leader Friedrich Merz faces challenges in forming a coalition with the Social Democrats and the Greens, with recent compromises weakening his standing. Meanwhile, the traditional political firewall against cooperation with the AfD is showing cracks, with court rulings ensuring their participation in parliamentary activities. While many lawmakers continue to shun AfD members, others argue that engagement, rather than isolation, is necessary in Germany’s evolving political climate.

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Suspect Arrested in Berlin Holocaust Memorial Stabbing Ahead of German Election

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Berlin police have arrested a suspect in connection with the stabbing of a man at the city’s Holocaust memorial on Friday evening. The victim suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, though his life was not in danger. Authorities have not disclosed the identity or motive of the attacker, and forensic investigations are ongoing at the site, which is located near the U.S. Embassy.

The attack, which occurred just two days before a pivotal national election, has heightened tensions in Germany amid a series of recent violent incidents. Witnesses reported seeing the two men approach each other before the sudden stabbing, and trauma counseling was provided at the scene. The area surrounding the 4.7-acre memorial, which commemorates the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, was sealed off as police continued their investigation.

This incident comes as Germany grapples with security concerns during a contentious election season, with polls suggesting a far-right party could secure second place for the first time in nearly a century. Recent violent attacks, including a fatal stabbing involving an Afghan immigrant and a deadly car ramming at a Christmas market, have fueled debates over immigration and national security. Earlier on Friday, an 18-year-old ethnic Chechen was also arrested for allegedly planning an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Berlin.

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Germany’s Habeck and Scholz Criticize Trump’s Divisive Tactics and Greenland Proposal

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Germany’s Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has accused US President-elect Donald Trump of attempting to undermine European unity, calling for a united European front in response. Speaking to Deutschlandfunk, Habeck claimed Trump’s past efforts to strike individual deals with European nations sought to fracture EU solidarity and warned of potential trade policy attacks targeting German products. Highlighting Germany’s significant trade surplus with the US, he stressed the importance of EU backing in trade matters.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz also criticized Trump for reigniting controversial remarks about acquiring Greenland and Canada, asserting that borders must not be altered by force. During a news conference, Scholz emphasized the principle of border inviolability as foundational to international peace. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed Trump’s renewed proposal for Greenland, reaffirming the territory’s autonomy. Trump’s comments on his Truth Social platform, advocating for Greenland to join the US, have drawn sharp rebukes from European leaders.

Adding to the strain in transatlantic ties, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a Trump ally, publicly criticized German leaders and voiced support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Scholz responded by reaffirming Germany’s commitment to NATO and Western values, emphasizing the importance of border security. As Trump’s inauguration approaches, European leaders brace for renewed challenges to relations with the US.

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Tragic Hotel Collapse in Kröv, Germany Claims Two Lives and Leaves Others Trapped

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In Kröv, Germany, a partial collapse of a hotel building late Tuesday night resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with several others still trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are underway, involving over 200 emergency personnel at the scene.

The incident occurred around 23:00 local time (21:00 GMT), when the hotel’s roof fell, causing the upper floor to crash down onto the lower one and shattering windows. Fourteen people were in the hotel at the time, according to local police. Among those rescued on Wednesday morning was a young Dutch family visiting the area.

While five guests managed to escape unharmed late Tuesday, nine others were trapped. In a news conference on Wednesday, fire inspector Jörg Teusch confirmed that the two fatalities—a man and a woman—occurred overnight due to the building’s collapse. Dutch media reported that a 23-year-old woman from Urk and her infant son were rescued early Wednesday and taken to the hospital. Her 26-year-old husband was rescued later, though his condition remains unknown.

Approximately 250 emergency personnel, including firefighters, police, rescue dog teams, and medics, are involved in the rescue efforts. Two individuals are still buried under the rubble, but emergency teams maintain contact with them.

Local broadcaster SWR noted that the hotel, which dates back to the 1600s, underwent significant renovations in the 1980s when an additional floor was added to the now two-story structure. The Moselle valley is a well-known tourist spot, celebrated for its vineyards and charming old towns. One hotel guest reported being in the toilet when the floor collapsed beneath him. Nearby residents have been evacuated due to concerns about potential further collapses of the hotel building.

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Freed Russian Dissidents Decline to Sign Mercy Plea to Putin

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Two Russian dissidents, Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin, recently released in a prisoner swap, stated they refused to sign a petition for mercy directed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as requested by prison officials. At a news conference in Germany, both men emphasized their innocence and made it clear they did not consent to their removal from Russia, vowing to return one day.

Kara-Murza noted that the exchange saved “16 human lives” and expressed his belief that he might die in prison. He also mentioned that many Russians oppose Putin’s war in Ukraine. The swap involved 24 individuals held in various countries, including US journalist Evan Gerschkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. Among the Russians released by the West was convicted assassin Vadim Krasikov, who was serving a life sentence in Germany for murdering a Chechen dissident.

Kara-Murza and Yashin, along with another dissident, Andrei Pivovarov, pledged to continue their work for a “free” Russia and for those still imprisoned. Yashin expressed mixed feelings about the swap, acknowledging gratitude for his freedom but stating his desire to return to Russia. He noted that an exiled opposition is easier for Putin to manage, as their voices carry more weight when they are imprisoned.

Yashin also pointed out the ethical dilemma faced by the German government in releasing Krasikov, while acknowledging that his return to Russia might complicate the negotiation of future exchanges for political prisoners. Russian rights group Memorial reports that hundreds of political prisoners are currently detained. Kara-Murza referred to the exchange as a “drop in the ocean,” given the number of innocent people suffering in harsh conditions.

Kara-Murza, a dual Russian-British citizen, shared his experience of being in solitary confinement for over ten months, fearing he would never see his family again. He recounted how surreal it felt to finally be released and expressed determination to return to Russia one day. Another dissident, Sasha Skochilenko, also expressed relief and joy at her release, eager to reunite with her loved ones.

The group paid tribute to Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin who died in prison, asserting that his death is a crime for which Putin is directly responsible. Kara-Murza emphasized the distinction between Russia and Putin’s regime, stating his commitment to advocating for a better future for his country, one that is modern and democratic.

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One dead after armed gunmen storm French wedding

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A man in his 30s was killed, and several others were wounded in a shooting at a Turkish wedding in north-east France, police reported. French media indicate that three armed, masked men arrived at the reception in Thionville late on Saturday night and began firing at the guests. According to Le Figaro newspaper, citing police sources, the incident occurred at 1:15 AM local time and was linked to a conflict between well-known gangs in Moselle.

Among the wounded was a pregnant woman, and three of the injured are in critical condition at Bel-Air hospital. Approximately 100 people were celebrating at Eden Palace when the gunmen, who arrived in a 4×4 vehicle, opened fire.

A police source told AFP that a group had gone outside to smoke when three heavily armed men started shooting in their direction with automatic weapons and shotguns. Nancy prosecutor Francois Capin-Dulhoste stated that the attackers fired “several dozen times,” injuring four people aged between 25 and 50.

The attackers fled the scene before emergency services arrived. Local newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain reported that police are investigating if the attackers’ vehicle came from Germany or Luxembourg, which are about 15 km away. The Lorraine border region has a history of violent incidents linked to drug trafficking, and according to Le Parisien, the victims were known to authorities for drug-related cases. In May 2023, a shooting between rival gangs in the nearby town of Villerupt injured five people.

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Germany Starts Euro 2024 with Commanding 5-1 Win

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Germany got off to an excellent start in their Euro 2024 campaign with a dominant 5-1 victory over Scotland at home, marking their largest-ever win in the Euros. The match saw Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Kai Havertz (from a penalty) securing a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime, aided by Ryan Porteous’s red card for Scotland due to a reckless challenge.

In the second half, Germany maintained control, with Niclas Fullkrug adding a fourth goal and having a fifth disallowed. Despite an own goal by Antonio Rudiger giving Scotland a brief moment of relief, Emre Can sealed Germany’s victory with a final score of 5-1.

Reflecting on the match, pundits like Chris Sutton and Pat Nevin praised Germany’s performance, noting their high-pressure tactics reminiscent of top clubs like Manchester City. Julian Nagelsmann, Germany’s coach, highlighted his team’s strong start and acknowledged room for improvement, expressing satisfaction with their opening win in front of their home fans.

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