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Domestic intelligence agency to be allowed to falsify data and sabotage instruments used in crimes
Berlin, July 2026: The Federal Ministry of the Interior is planning new operational powers for the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The draft bill responds to terrorist plots, espionage, sabotage and foreign influence operations. The service should therefore be allowed to change data streams, feed in false information and falsify stored content. Secret…
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On the path to a surveillance state: The state sees more and reveals less
A commentary by our author Klaus Bastian State authorities are expanding their capacity to monitor citizens. Domestic intelligence agencies are set to be granted powers for deeper digital interventions. EU plans are once again paving the way for the automated scanning of private messages. Furthermore, criminal complaints and reporting portals are increasing the pressure on…
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New nuclear power plant expected to generate 1.6 billion francs in annual value added for Switzerland
A study published in Switzerland on July 12, 2026, quantifies the impact of a new nuclear power plant from 2050 onwards. BAK Economics conducted the analysis on behalf of the umbrella business association Economiesuisse. The study was prompted by the foreseeable decommissioning of existing reactors and rising electricity demand. The EPR model promises annual value…
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Experts recommend dynamic grid charges and higher costs for PV operators
Scientific advisors to the Federal Network Agency have proposed changes to the current structure of electricity grid charges. The so-called Scientific Working Group on Regulatory Issues (WAR) recommends, among other things, the introduction of dynamic grid charges and requiring operators of photovoltaic systems to contribute more towards grid costs, the agency announced on Thursday. “We…
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Germany in Decline: Foreign Media See Crumbling Infrastructure and Industry
In July 2026, foreign media are increasingly reporting on Germany’s decline. British and Spanish newspapers, along with international business media, are piecing together a comprehensive picture from the chaos on the railways, crumbling bridges, the Stuttgart 21 project, and the crisis at Volkswagen. They describe an economy with decaying infrastructure and an industrial sector losing…
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The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency warns of high system costs associated with an energy transition without nuclear power
In early July 2026, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency warns of sharply rising costs associated with an energy transition that excludes nuclear power. Global electricity demand could nearly double by 2050 as the transport, industrial, and data center sectors require more electricity. At the same time, coal and gas are set to be phased out…
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Nickel for electric car batteries: New studies reveal environmental damage extending into the ocean
New studies from 2026 reveal significant environmental impacts associated with nickel extraction in tropical regions. While electric vehicles produce no local exhaust emissions during operation, their batteries require large quantities of nickel, depending on the cell chemistry. Consequently, the growing demand for batteries drives up the need for the metal and intensifies pressure to mine…
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The private brewery Eichbaum is closing after 347 years – 240 employees are losing their jobs
Mannheim – The insolvent private brewery Eichbaum began the process of shutting down its plant on Monday, July 13, 2026. Plans for an investor to come on board fell through because the business continued to incur losses despite restructuring efforts and was unable to repay insolvency-related loans. Consequently, around 240 employees are expected to lose…
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Emissions trading: Brussels’ key climate protection tool under fire
The EU Commission plans to present its proposals for amending the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) on Friday. It intends to address demands from industry and numerous EU member states that have been calling for relief measures for months. Here is the background: How does the European carbon price work? The EU sets a cap…
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Software update paralyzes Berlin’s civil and criminal courts – detention periods at risk
A faulty software update largely paralyzed Berlin’s court system on the morning of Monday, July 13, 2026. The disruption affected all local courts, the Moabit Criminal Court, both regional courts, and the Court of Appeal. Consequently, the courts were unable to access electronic case files, emails, or central case management systems. Court administrators sent staff…
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Chinese car manufacturer Nio records only 15 new registrations in Germany in 2026
Nio’s sales figures in Germany and other European markets fell sharply in the first half of 2026. The Chinese automaker manufactures connected electric vehicles primarily for the upper premium segment. The Federal Motor Transport Authority recorded just 15 new registrations in Germany between January and June, compared to 121 vehicles during the same period the…
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Far-left extremists claim responsibility for railway sabotage – Cologne-Düsseldorf line closed
Bei Leverkusen haben sich Linksextreme des „Kommando Angry Birds“ zu einer Sabotage an der Bahnstrecke Köln-Düsseldorf bekannt. Am Freitag, 10. Juli 2026, brannte ein Kabelschacht nahe der Wupperbrücke in Rheindorf. Bei den Reparaturen fanden Fachkräfte zudem einen zweiten Brandsatz rund 200 Meter entfernt. Mehrere Signalkabel wurden beschädigt, weshalb die Bahn den Abschnitt Leverkusen-Mitte–Langenfeld sperrte. Fern-…
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Wave of hospital bankruptcies: Chief physician warns of “uncontrolled collapse of the system”
In July 2026, Germany is experiencing a new wave of financial crises among hospitals. Since 2022, 85 hospital operators—spanning 102 locations—have filed for insolvency, some for the second time. High wage, energy, and material costs are colliding with limited revenues and the high expense of maintaining on-call services. “We are currently witnessing an uncontrolled collapse…
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Sanctions on buyers of Russian energy: China “firmly” rejects US plans
China has sharply criticized US plans to tighten sanctions on buyers of Russian energy. On Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian accused Washington of “double standards and coercion.” China is one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil. Russia funds a significant portion of its war of aggression against Ukraine through revenue from energy exports.…
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Wind and solar project developer SOWITEC files for insolvency – stock exchange halts bond trading
SOWITEC, a wind and solar project developer based in Sonnenbühl, filed for insolvency with the Tübingen Local Court on July 14, 2026. The filing affects the parent company as well as three other group subsidiaries. The company is insolvent and over-indebted under insolvency law. Negotiations regarding supplier claims and demands arising from surety bonds had…