Germany’s conservative CDU and its Bavarian CSU sister party lead the polls ahead of the February 23 election. Their campaign manifesto focuses on tax cuts, stricter migration controls, expanded defense, and pro-business reforms.
Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian CSU, the top contenders in the upcoming election, have unveiled key policies aimed at boosting the economy, tightening migration rules, and expanding security measures.
The CDU pledges tax cuts, including lowering corporate tax to 25%, reducing electricity costs, and scrapping supply chain regulations. While it supports Germany’s strict debt brake, party leader Friedrich Merz has hinted at possible reforms.
The CDU aims for stricter asylum policies, faster deportations, and limiting social benefits for rejected applicants. It also seeks to curb dual citizenship and tighten naturalization rules, while streamlining visa processes for skilled workers.
The party supports increasing police powers, closing extremist mosques, and stronger actions against radical groups. It also pledges to meet NATO’s 2% defense spending target, reintroduce military service, and advocate for a European missile defense system.
The CDU opposes inner-city driving bans, aims to reverse the EU’s planned combustion engine ban, and supports tax incentives for energy-efficient homes. It plans to expand childcare, improve student financial aid, and reinstate stricter gender transition regulations.
The European Commission has proposed potential countermeasures on up to €95 billion worth of US goods should ongoing trade negotiations with Washington fail to resolve current tariff disputes.
The European Parliament has approved a relaxation of car and van CO₂ emissions targets, giving automakers more time to comply and potentially avoid billions in fines, following concerns over their readiness to meet 2025 goals.
European capitals are advising the European Commission to delay any major responses to U.S. trade tariffs until after the NATO summit in June, as leaders prioritize securing a consensus with Donald Trump on the future of Europe’s defense responsibilities.
The European Union is expected to announce new tariff counter-measures on Thursday targeting U.S. aerospace exports, including Boeing jets, in response to escalating trade tensions with Washington.
Slovakia and Hungary have condemned the European Commission’s new proposal to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027, warning the move would harm EU competitiveness.
Britain and Switzerland have signed an agreement to explore the creation of a direct rail connection between London and Switzerland, aiming to expand cross-border train travel beyond existing routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Saturday to attend the Iran-Arab World Dialogue summit in Doha, as preparations continue for a possible fourth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman over the weekend.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are now conducting direct peace talks without Russian mediation, according to Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan. He told Armenian media that Moscow’s mediating role has ended and that direct dialogue is now seen as more effective.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confidently announced that there will be no war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing a shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Britain has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, including asset freezes targeting directors of the oil trading firm Coral Energy Group, now known as 2Rivers Group.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet with Ukraine’s foreign minister and representatives from 17 other EU countries in Lviv on Friday to confirm support for establishing an International Tribunal for war crimes and aggression.
Britain and Switzerland have signed an agreement to explore the creation of a direct rail connection between London and Switzerland, aiming to expand cross-border train travel beyond existing routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Saturday to attend the Iran-Arab World Dialogue summit in Doha, as preparations continue for a possible fourth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman over the weekend.
Britain has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, including asset freezes targeting directors of the oil trading firm Coral Energy Group, now known as 2Rivers Group.
Moscow is currently holding a Victory Day parade to mark 80 years since the end of the Great Patriotic War, with foreign delegations and military units participating.
Britain and Switzerland have signed an agreement to explore the creation of a direct rail connection between London and Switzerland, aiming to expand cross-border train travel beyond existing routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Saturday to attend the Iran-Arab World Dialogue summit in Doha, as preparations continue for a possible fourth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman over the weekend.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are now conducting direct peace talks without Russian mediation, according to Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan. He told Armenian media that Moscow’s mediating role has ended and that direct dialogue is now seen as more effective.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confidently announced that there will be no war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing a shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Britain has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, including asset freezes targeting directors of the oil trading firm Coral Energy Group, now known as 2Rivers Group.
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