Skip next section 1-in-6 retailers warn of survival fears 05/11/2026May 11, 2026 1-in-6 retailers warn of survival fears Germany’s retail sector has been facing mounting pressure, with a growing share of firms warning their survival is at risk. A survey by the Ifo research institute in April showed 17.4% of retail companies said they could go out of business, a record high, driven by weak consumer spending and rising competition. Across the wider economy, 8.1% of companies reported existential concerns. The Ifo Institute said the outlook was dim, with insolvencies likely to stay elevated amid geopolitical instability. “The economic situation remains tense,” said Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of Surveys at Ifo. “Given the geopolitical uncertainty, insolvency figures are likely to remain at a high level in the coming months.” Retailers have been under particular strain as shoppers cut back, while online platforms and low-cost foreign discounters intensify competition. Three core pressures have...

About one-in-12 German businesses worry about survival, with twice as many retailers jittery. Meanwhile in Stuttgart, five pro-Palestinian activists face trial over attacking an Israeli defense company site. Follow DW. Deutsche Welle

Für den OB ist klar, dass diese Entscheidung im Haushaltsausschuss des Bundestages nicht nach sportfachlichen oder regionalen Kriterien getroffen worden sei: „Man muss sagen, dass wir dort wahrscheinlich nicht über den Einfluss verfügen, wie wir ihn früher hatten“, sagt er. … Deutsche Welle

When Friedrich Merz came to office in May 2025, corporate boardrooms were abuzz with hope. As he ascended to the chancellorship, the leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) promised nothing less than an “economic turning point.” With him at the helm, he declared, every political decision would be preceded by the question: Will this benefit Germany’s economic competitiveness? It certainly sounded plausible. After all, before returning to politics, Merz had made his fortune in the business world. For four years, he served as chairman of BlackRock’s supervisory board in Germany, and he wrote a book entitled “Dare to Embrace More Capitalism.” As a candidate for chancellor, Merz promised that there would be no more “left-wing politics in Germany,” and shortly after taking office, he called for greater economic efficiency. “We will not be able to maintain the prosperity of this country by relying solely on a four-day workweek and...

Germany is reviving its bid for US Tomahawk missiles, according to the Financial Times. Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil is in Canada to strengthen ties, including a possible submarine deal. DW has the latest. Deutsche Welle

Skip next section EU’s Kallas rejects German former chancellor Schröder as Ukraine mediator 05/11/2026May 11, 2026 EU’s Kallas rejects German former chancellor Schröder as Ukraine mediator Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, on Monday rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to get former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to mediate an end to the war in Ukraine. “Gerhard Schröder has been a high-level lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies. So it’s clear why Putin wants him to be the person so that actually, you know, he would be sitting on both sides of the table,” Kallas said of the former German leader, who has maintained close relations with Moscow and is a personal friend of Putin.  Kallas also rejected the premise of allowing Moscow the right to appoint a negotiator, saying that “would not be very wise.” Schröder’s office on Sunday refused to comment on Putin’s proposal. Why Putin turned...

1. Altchemnitzer Straße (neu) zw. Hausnr. 40 und 60 Verkehrsraumeinschränkung wegen Stromleitungsnetz-Optimierung ab Montag, 11. Mai bis 17. Juli. 1. Wilhelm-Raabe-Straße (neu) zwischen Treffurthstraße und Altchemnitzer Straße Verkehrsraumeinschränkung ab 11. Mai bis 14. August. Einbahnstraßenregelung in Richtung Altchemnitzer Straße bis mindestens 10. Juli. 2. Annaberger Straße in Höhe Berbisdorf… Deutsche Welle