Bundeswehr in the classroom + months of trembling for commuters in Northern Germany

The war years changed the reality in German schools. And Europe was now urgently seeking new trading partners around the world.

With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Wednesday.

This is what it's about: Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Bundeswehr's youth officers have been in greater demand than ever before as uniformed crisis explainers in classrooms across the country.

That's why it's important: youth officers should impart political education, not recruit for the military. Given the Bundeswehr's recruitment problem, however, it may be difficult to separate the two.

This is what's going on: The Left Party in the Bundestag and the Education and Science Union (GEW) want to remove the Bundeswehr from schools. Instead of a home front, there should be peace education.

Report: "I'm not keen on going to war"

This is the issue: Many of the European Union’s trade agreements are lying dormant.

Why it's important: The tariff dispute with the US is putting Europe's exporters under pressure. At the same time, raw material supplies from China are at risk. Therefore, additional reliable trading partners are urgently needed.

Here's what's next: A number of agreements, for example with India, are in the works. However, the EU has lowered its expectations for success.

Alternatives to Trump's America

This is what it's about: Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf (54), the SPD candidate for the Federal Constitutional Court, rejected by the CDU/CSU, rejects the accusations against her that she is "ultra-left" as defamatory – and hinted for the first time that she might withdraw . Chancellor Friedrich Merz (69) admits to technical shortcomings in her failed election. This particularly affects CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn (45).

That's why it's important: Just ten weeks after taking office, conflicts are erupting within the governing coalition. Spahn, who has also been criticized for his mask procurement during the coronavirus pandemic, is one of the key crisis managers. But he appears to be under pressure.

Here's what's next: The CDU/CSU and SPD must reschedule the election of three constitutional judges. Merz says there's no rush. But the parliamentary summer recess could provide plenty of space and time for the dispute to escalate.

What it's about: Starting in August, the 280-kilometer-long railway line between Hamburg and Berlin will be closed for general renovation. The tracks, switches, radio masts, and stations will be brought into working order by April 2026.

Why it's important: The Hamburg-Berlin route connects Germany's two largest cities and is one of the busiest. During the renovation, long-distance trains will take a diversion route and take 45 minutes longer. Thousands of regional commuters from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg have to switch to buses every day, sometimes taking long detours.

This is how it continues: The renovation is scheduled to last until April 2026, with an estimated cost of 2.2 billion euros.

Is there enough money for rail and railway?

This is what happened: The second day of the trial of steakhouse heiress Christina Block (52), who is alleged to have ordered the abduction of her children, was ended prematurely yesterday by the presiding judge.

Background: The reason for this was unanswered questions regarding the treatment of the minor children, who were to act as joint plaintiffs. The reason is that Block's ex-husband, Stephan Hensel (60), is himself a victim and has a stake in the outcome of the proceedings. According to a court spokeswoman, the question is whether he can legally represent the children – or whether a conflict of interest exists.

Here's what's next: The proceedings are scheduled to resume on July 25. A decision will also be made by then on whether Block and Hensel's 14-year-old daughter can remain a joint plaintiff. The lawyer for the ten-year-old son has been temporarily barred from representing him in the proceedings.

Why ex-husband Stephan Hensel is now in the spotlight

We wish you a conflict-free Wednesday. See you tomorrow,

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