The failed election of the Federal Constitutional Court judges continued to simmer throughout the weekend and will, of course, be brought up again.
To start the week, we take a look at five fresh topics from Germany and the world for you – concise, entertaining, and insightful.
This is what it is about: Following the new tariff announcement by US President Donald Trump (79), the EU Commission under President Ursula von der Leyen (66, CDU) is initially focusing on de-escalation and negotiations – postponing counter-tariffs originally planned for today until the beginning of August.
That's why it's important: For export-oriented German companies, further US tariffs would be a severe blow, and the punitive taxes would threaten numerous jobs.
Here's what's next: EU trade ministers are meeting in Brussels today to discuss how to proceed in the trade conflict with the US. There are also voices calling for tougher action against Trump.
This is what it's about: For eight months, experts have been developing proposals for better administration, and today the "Initiative for a Capable State" is presenting its results.
That's why it's important: Too much bureaucracy slows down the government and the economy—a key reason for Germany's economic weakness. Andreas Voßkuhle (61), former President of the Federal Constitutional Court, even warns of Germany's decline to Second World standards.
Here's what's next: The Black-Red coalition has already implemented one of the initiative's core demands: the establishment of a Federal Ministry for Digitalization and State Modernization. The extent to which the federal government will implement the other proposals will become clear in the coming months.
This is what it's about: Since 2015, the number of teachers leaving school service for reasons other than age or health has more than doubled.
This is why it's important: The quality of teaching and the working conditions of the remaining teachers are suffering due to the lack of staff. The level of education in Germany is at risk of declining – with far-reaching consequences.
And so it continues: According to estimates by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany, there will be a shortage of around 49,000 teachers nationwide by 2035.
This is what it is about: The Federal Government's Commissioner for Nursing, Katrin Staffler (43, CSU), warns of the failure of the planned nursing reform if Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (47, SPD) does not provide more tax money for the nursing insurance system, which is deeply in the red.
Background: Klingbeil wants to support long-term care insurance with loans totaling two billion euros for 2025 and 2026. According to current calculations, however, this is not enough to prevent further premium increases.
This is how it continues: Klingbeil plans to present the draft budget for 2026 at the end of July, and then it will become clear whether there will be more money for care – despite the strained budget situation.
This is what it's about: A girl with leukemia, a family that loses their house in a fire: When tragedy strikes, many people are willing to help. Online platforms make donations comparatively easy.
Background: For the US provider Gofundme, Germany is the fastest-growing market: In 2024, more than 110 million euros were raised here, twice as much as in the previous year. The donation platforms charge fees for their services.
Important to note: Consumers should familiarize themselves with how these platforms work before using them. For example, Gofundme has a default setting that requires an additional amount to be transferred to the platform itself.
We wish you a good start to the new week. See you tomorrow,
Capital Radar: Personal impressions and background information from the government district. Every Thursday.
Life and Us: The guide to health, well-being and the whole family – every other Thursday.
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