Germany has ditched decades of fiscal restraint with a massive €500 billion spending plan, aiming to revive growth and bolster defence. With geopolitical tensions rising, Friedrich Merz calls it a "historic shift"—but critics warn of debt risks.
Germany’s parliament has approved a sweeping spending surge, marking a major shift from decades of fiscal restraint. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz secured support for the plan, which aims to boost economic growth and strengthen Europe’s defence amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The approved package includes a €500 billion fund for infrastructure and eases borrowing rules to expand defence spending. The move is a response to increasing concerns over European security, particularly regarding Russia and potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy. "We have for at least a decade felt a false sense of security," Merz told lawmakers, calling the decision a crucial step toward a new European defence strategy.
The Bundestag’s approval was decisive, with 513 votes in favour and 207 against. The legislation is expected to pass the Bundesrat on Friday. The markets reacted positively, with the euro and European shares rising in anticipation of the fiscal expansion.
While supporters hail the move as a turning point, critics warn of long-term risks, including rising debt and the need for structural reforms to ensure sustainable growth. Economists argue that cutting bureaucracy and increasing efficiency will be essential to making the most of Germany’s fiscal shift.
North Korea held its first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years, with foreign runners from China and Ethiopia. The event marked the country's gradual reopening post-pandemic, celebrating Kim Il Sung's birthday. The marathon symbolized North Korea's cautious return to normalcy.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
Seven migrants, including a child, died when their boat sank off Lesbos. 23 survivors were rescued, but the search continues. Greece remains a crucial entry point for migrants, underscoring the perilous sea journey many undertake in search of safety and a new life.
Myanmar's deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake has claimed over 3,000 lives, with 351 missing and 4,500 injured. As rescue efforts face civil unrest, unseasonal rains threaten survivors. Global aid arrives, while Myanmar's junta declares a ceasefire to support relief efforts.
Moldova's parliament voted on Thursday to set the date for parliamentary elections, which will take place on September 28.
Qatar’s Emir assured President Putin that Syria’s new leadership is committed to strengthening ties with Moscow, as the two leaders met in the Kremlin to discuss regional conflicts and diplomatic efforts in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.
Russia warned that German-supplied Taurus missiles targeting its infrastructure would amount to direct German involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
The IFRC has received only 10% of its $122 million emergency appeal for Myanmar’s earthquake recovery, raising alarm as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable ahead of monsoon season.
President Trump calls recent talks with Mexico and Japan "very productive" as he highlights growing international interest in meetings with the U.S.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A quiet Thursday afternoon at St. Peter’s Basilica turned into something extraordinary, as visitors caught a rare glimpse of Pope Francis — not in his familiar white papal robes, but dressed in black trousers and a striped blanket.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The number of Americans filing first-time unemployment claims decreased by 9,000 last week, falling to 215,000, according to data from the US Labor Department released on Thursday.
U.S. President Donald Trump's desire to influence the yen's exchange rate in the ongoing trade negotiations with Japan is likely to create challenges for both nations, analysts warned.
Puerto Rico experienced its second full power outage in just four months on Wednesday, following a system failure that left most of the island without electricity.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stating on Thursday that Powell's termination "cannot come fast enough."
Moldova's parliament voted on Thursday to set the date for parliamentary elections, which will take place on September 28.
Moldova's parliament voted on Thursday to set the date for parliamentary elections, which will take place on September 28.
Qatar’s Emir assured President Putin that Syria’s new leadership is committed to strengthening ties with Moscow, as the two leaders met in the Kremlin to discuss regional conflicts and diplomatic efforts in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.
Russia warned that German-supplied Taurus missiles targeting its infrastructure would amount to direct German involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
The IFRC has received only 10% of its $122 million emergency appeal for Myanmar’s earthquake recovery, raising alarm as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable ahead of monsoon season.
President Trump calls recent talks with Mexico and Japan "very productive" as he highlights growing international interest in meetings with the U.S.
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