Germany

Germany faces a heightened sense of domestic security concerns following a possible attack on a power substation near Cologne and ongoing investigations into sabotage acts on the power grid in Brandenburg. Further incidents include an explosion at Augsburg's main train station, halting train traffic, and the discovery of a World War II bomb in Oranienburg leading to the evacuation of thousands.

The political landscape remains charged, with Sahra Wagenknecht criticizing the 'brand wall idiocy' in political discourse, while the CEO of Deutsche Bank issued a warning against the growing influence of populist parties ahead of the Saxony-Anhalt state election. This comes as a new poll indicates the AfD remains the strongest force in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Meanwhile, the governing coalition is discussing proposed changes to income tax reform, including surcharges, a wealth tax, and child benefits.

Germany's relationship with Russia is also a key focus, with discussions on hybrid threats featuring Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation Karsten Wildberger, and Russian President Vladimir Putin describing Berlin's sanctions as a 'grave mistake'. The German Navy is testing the Israeli LORA missile system as part of its deterrence strategy against Russia. Domestically, AOK has criticized insufficient savings measures for health insurance, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over low gas reserves.