Michaela Kuefner

Just in! Government sources confirm plans for military conscription: - draft law foresees voluntary model with option to shift to mandatory - men turning 18 in 2028 will all be called in for physical examination - hope to gain 5000+ recruits per year - from 2031 40 000/year

Merz and Macron are having dinner near Berlin. For starters Merz confirmed "movement" on US tariffs. The figure of 15% is being cited behind the scenes. European defense also at centre of talks scheduled to last 2 h.

What you see of the French President landing when you opted for content and went where Macron and Merz are due to make statements.

German court rejects far right Alternative for Germany (AfD)‘s appeal against 'suspected extremist' label. AfD says it may appeal to the German Constitutional Court. At the same time the debate whether government or parliament should seek an AfD ban continues.…

An interview with the leader of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party descended into chaos after it was marred by noisy protesters. Now some in the AfD are demanding a second go.

Germany is allowing two Taliban officials to work at Afghan diplomatic missions in the country, even though it does not recognize the Islamist regime. Chancellor Merz has made curbing migration a policy priority. p.dw.com/p/4xoLQ

"We cannot go on with an ongoing discussion about how we foot bills." 🇳🇴 Norway’s PM Jonas Støre shows impatience with NATO partners when I asked him who will pay what for Ukraine. 🇩🇪 and 🇳🇴 will "split the bill" on Ukraine air defence package - including 5 Patriots - he…

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz didn't engage when asked by DW's @MKuefner why Germany didn't sign a statement by 25 countries calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza. He did say that Germany doesn't support Israel's policy on Gaza, and called for aid to be let in.

JUST IN: The German government has confirmed that Switzerland is no longer first in line for Patriot missile systems from Raytheon/RTX. This increases the likelihood of Germany sending two systems to Ukraine and replenishing its stocks in 8 months' time.

Germany's chancellor praises a US deal to deliver weapons to Ukraine, funded by Europeans, but says a key question remains unresolved.

‘We will go hand in hand, step by step’ - DW’s @NinaHaase asked Germany's Defense Minister what his expectations were after meeting with his US colleague Pete Hegseth, and a possible reduction of US troops in Europe.

Merz on Trump‘s Ukraine turnaround decision to send Patriot and other weapons systems: "Today President Trump took an important initiative: The USA will provide Ukraine with a large amount of weapons, if European partners are willing to finance them." They are. Relief in 🇺🇦+🇪🇺.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is set to hold talks with his US counterpart on Ukraine and NATO in Washington. dw.com/en/germany-upd…

France's President Macron has announced €6.5 billion in extra military spending in the next two years due to what he described as growing threats: p.dw.com/p/4xP8l

Merz‘ governing coalition had to postpone a planned vote on three Constitutional Court judges today. A historic and messy first. This calls into question Merz‘ promise of stable government. And it’s an embarrassment for his Conservative Chief Whip Jens Spahn who failed to…

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Volodymyr Zelenskyy secured funding promises and long-term support. But the one thing the country urgently needs — more air defense — remains unfulfilled. @mkuefner with a recap of what was pledged, and what’s still lacking.

“Diplomacy is exhausted — we’ll continue supporting Ukraine.” Chancellor Merz hits back at far-right criticism, as debate over Germany’s role in the war heats up. @MKuefner reports from parliament.

Merz pleads with Trump: "Stay with us!" Warns Putin: "We won‘t give up!" At Ukraine recovery conference in Rome. Tells Slovakia to drop veto on 18th EU Russia sanctions package.

Ukraine‘s President ⁦@ZelenskyyUa⁩ and his wife Olena arrive at the 4th Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. Most of all he hopes to secure additional air defence commitments (patriots) on the sidelines of a summit to soothe an estimated € 506 Bn of war damage in 🇺🇦.

Merz takes off to second "Ukraine Recovery Conference" in Rome. Video-call by the "coalition of the willing" will discuss who is willing to supply more air defence systems (patriot(s)) to 🇺🇦. Merz bilats with 🇺🇦@ZelenskyyUa 🇪🇺 von der Leyen 🇮🇹 Meloni 🇲🇩President Sandu of Moldova