Germany's industrial competitiveness is declining at an unprecedented rate, warned the Munich-based Ifo institute. In January, 24% of German companies rated their competitiveness as low against non-EU firms, while 21% noted growing competition within the EU.
Ifo’s Klaus Wohlrabe highlighted the severity of the decline, stressing the urgent need for reforms. The downturn affects all sectors, with the automotive, metal, and chemical industries particularly impacted, while beverage manufacturers remain relatively stable.
To restore competitiveness, the government must cut bureaucracy, speed up approvals, offer tax relief, and address skilled labor shortages, Wohlrabe urged.
Iran will meet with European powers France, Germany, and the UK in Istanbul on Friday to discuss the future of the 2015 nuclear deal, amid renewed diplomatic signals from Tehran and concerns over sidelined European involvement in U.S.–Iran talks.
The UK and Germany have unveiled plans to co-develop a cutting-edge strike weapon capable of exceeding a range of 2,000 kilometers, marking a significant step in strengthening European defense cooperation amidst ongoing global security challenges.
Three Ukrainians have been arrested over a plot to mail exploding parcels from Germany to Ukraine, prosecutors said, putting Europe's cross-border postal network in the spotlight as a target of suspected Russian sabotage.
Germany warned on Monday that it will keep weapons flowing to Ukraine unless Moscow accepts a proposed 30‑day cease‑fire, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul telling counterparts in London that new arms packages are ready if Russia refuses to halt hostilities.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed optimism about the possibility of a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine within days, stating that the decision now rests solely with Moscow.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on May 16 that his country has started the process of joining the New Development Bank of BRICS.
Ministers in Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) are resigning one by one amid mounting protests in Tripoli, Libya Press agency reports
The US Supreme Court on Friday paused President Donald Trump’s attempt to carry out deportations using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, siding with a group of Venezuelan immigrants in Texas who argued they were at risk of sudden removal under the rarely used wartime law.
Two North Korean fishermen picked up by South Korean patrols in March remain stranded in the South as Pyongyang refuses to respond to requests for their return.
The US has lost its final AAA credit rating after Moody’s downgraded the country to Aa1, citing growing deficits and mounting debt as risks to long-term fiscal health.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Delegations from Russia and Ukraine met in Türkiye for their first direct peace talks since 2022, with discussions lasting under two hours.
Vietnam and Thailand have officially upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, marking a significant step forward in regional diplomacy.
Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced that India is opening up 200,000 square kilometers of its sedimentary basin for oil and gas exploration, inviting Russian companies to participate.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on May 16 that his country has started the process of joining the New Development Bank of BRICS.
Ministers in Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) are resigning one by one amid mounting protests in Tripoli, Libya Press agency reports
The US Supreme Court on Friday paused President Donald Trump’s attempt to carry out deportations using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, siding with a group of Venezuelan immigrants in Texas who argued they were at risk of sudden removal under the rarely used wartime law.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on May 16 that his country has started the process of joining the New Development Bank of BRICS.
Ministers in Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) are resigning one by one amid mounting protests in Tripoli, Libya Press agency reports
The US Supreme Court on Friday paused President Donald Trump’s attempt to carry out deportations using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, siding with a group of Venezuelan immigrants in Texas who argued they were at risk of sudden removal under the rarely used wartime law.
Two North Korean fishermen picked up by South Korean patrols in March remain stranded in the South as Pyongyang refuses to respond to requests for their return.
The US has lost its final AAA credit rating after Moody’s downgraded the country to Aa1, citing growing deficits and mounting debt as risks to long-term fiscal health.
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