In a closed-door meeting, leaders including Joe Biden and Olaf Scholz coordinated strategies ahead of the US elections, with concerns about potential changes in US-Europe relations if Donald Trump wins. Despite support for Ukraine, demands for NATO membership and missile permissions were unmet. The US and Germany, major military donors to Ukraine, have strengthened ties since Russia's 2022 aggression. Biden praised Germany's defense spending, contrasting Trump's past criticisms. The visit underscored the importance of transatlantic relations, with Biden receiving Germany's Order of Merit. The future of US-Germany relations remains uncertain as both leaders near the end of their terms.

In a closed-door meeting, leaders including Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer coordinated strategies ahead of the US elections, concerned about potential impacts on US-European alliances if Donald Trump wins. Despite support for Ukraine, they did not address Volodymyr Zelensky's requests for NATO membership and missile permissions. The US and Germany, major military donors to Ukraine, have strengthened ties since Russia's aggression. Biden praised Germany's defense spending and received the Order of Merit from Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The meeting highlighted the importance of transatlantic relations, with historical ties dating back to post-WWII. However, uncertainties loom over future US-German relations.

In a closed-door meeting, leaders including Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer coordinated strategies ahead of the US elections, which could impact the US-Europe alliance, especially if Donald Trump wins. Despite support for Kyiv, they did not address Ukraine's NATO membership or missile requests. Germany, a key US ally, has strengthened ties with the US post-Russian aggression, despite economic challenges. Biden praised Germany's defense spending and received the Order of Merit. The meeting highlighted the enduring US-Germany relationship, with historical ties dating back to post-WWII. The visit underscored the importance of transatlantic relations as Biden nears the end of his political career.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) faces a significant challenge in Brandenburg, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) leads in polls. SPD's Dietmar Woidke, in power for 11 years, risks losing his position, which could impact Chancellor Olaf Scholz's federal government. The SPD's struggles are compounded by internal criticism and a shift in migration policies due to pressure from conservative forces and the AfD's rise. Germany's recent migration policy changes, including increased border controls, have drawn criticism from European partners. The AfD's anti-immigration stance gains traction among younger voters, highlighting a shift in political sentiment across Germany.

In Germany, non-alcoholic beer is gaining popularity, with one in twenty liters produced in 2023 being alcohol-free. This trend is driven by health concerns and a shift in drinking habits, especially among younger generations. The German Brewers Association reports that 8% of the beer sold in Germany is non-alcoholic, with expectations of reaching 10% soon. The rise of non-alcoholic beer is also reflected in the opening of establishments like Null in Munich, which exclusively serves alcohol-free beverages. The article highlights the cultural shift towards healthier drinking options and the growing acceptance of non-alcoholic beer in a country traditionally known for its beer culture.

In Germany, non-alcoholic beer is gaining popularity, with one in twenty liters of beer produced in 2023 being alcohol-free. The trend is driven by health concerns and a cultural shift towards reduced alcohol consumption, especially among younger generations. The German Brewers Association reports that non-alcoholic beer now accounts for 8% of the market, with expectations to reach 10%. The article highlights the opening of a non-alcoholic biergarten in Munich and the growing acceptance of non-alcoholic beverages across different age groups.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) faces a significant challenge in Brandenburg, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) leads in polls. SPD's candidate Dietmar Woidke distances himself from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's unpopular policies, while the party grapples with potential federal implications of a loss. Amidst rising far-right influence, Germany's migration policies have shifted, with increased border controls and deportations, drawing criticism from European partners. The AfD's anti-immigration stance gains traction, especially among younger voters, highlighting a shift from Germany's previous welcoming approach under Angela Merkel.

The planned Barcelona-Amsterdam night train service for 2025 faces challenges due to a shortage of sleeper cars. Jon Worth, a railway policy expert, doubts the project's feasibility, citing the lack of investment in long-distance routes and the time required to manufacture new sleeper cars. Elmer van Buuren of European Sleeper, the company announcing the route, acknowledges the difficulties in obtaining trains and organizing international schedules but remains committed to the 2025 target. The European Commission has selected the Amsterdam-Barcelona line as one of ten to boost cross-border European train travel, though without financial aid. Worth suggests that Barcelona-Zurich night trains or high-speed trains to French cities may precede the Amsterdam line. The article also discusses the resurgence of train travel in Europe post-pandemic, logistical challenges, and the lack of priority for international connections by national rail services.

Shahak Shapira, an Israeli-German comedian, discusses his viral fame in Catalonia following a joke about the Catalan language. He reflects on his comedic style, which often involves politically charged humor, and his experiences growing up in Israel and Germany. Shapira addresses the controversy his joke sparked, his views on language preservation, and the challenges of performing comedy in different cultural contexts. He emphasizes that his humor is not meant to push a political agenda but to entertain and provoke thought.

In Germany, political dynamics are shifting as the anti-immigration discourse strengthens both the far-right AfD and the new left-wing populist party BSW, led by Sahra Wagenknecht. In Saxony and Thuringia, traditional parties face challenges in forming governments without engaging with these extremes. The AfD, led by controversial figure Björn Höcke, has gained significant traction, capitalizing on economic frustrations and opposition to military support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Wagenknecht's BSW, with its anti-immigration stance and criticism of NATO, is emerging as a significant force. The political landscape is further complicated by upcoming elections in Brandenburg, where these parties are gaining support.