Booker Prize–winning Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy has declined an invitation to the Berlin International Film Festival after expressing outrage at comments made by jury members regarding the situation in Gaza. In a statement on Friday, Roy said she was deeply hurt and disturbed by remarks from jury president Wim Wenders and others during a Thursday press conference, where they suggested filmmakers should stay away from politics.

The controversy arose when a journalist asked the jury about the German government's support for Israel and its stance on human rights. Wenders responded that filmmakers should not engage in politics, emphasizing that their work is for the public, not politicians. Roy condemned these comments as “conscience-less,” describing the Gaza situation as genocide by Israel against Palestinians. She argued that artists and filmmakers have a moral duty to speak out against such atrocities.

Roy’s 1989 film “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” was scheduled to be screened in the festival’s classics section from February 12 to 22, but she has now withdrawn her participation.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that a deep rift has developed between the United States and Europe. Speaking at the opening of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, he said the rules-based world order no longer exists and that Europe’s freedom is neither secure nor guaranteed in the current era of great power politics. Merz urged Europeans to be ready to make sacrifices, according to a BBC report.

The conference, expected to host around 50 world leaders, will focus on European defense and the future of transatlantic relations. It takes place amid growing doubts about the U.S. commitment to NATO, with many European leaders citing former President Donald Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland as a breach of trust.

Discussions at the annual gathering also include the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions between the West and China, and a possible Iran-U.S. nuclear deal. Merz reiterated his concern that the previous world order no longer exists and highlighted the widening divide between Europe and the United States, referencing remarks made by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance a year earlier.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday called on China to show restraint in weapons development and to join future arms control initiatives. Speaking to reporters in Canberra during his visit to Australia, he warned that the expiration of the last U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty, New START, on February 5 has raised the risk of a renewed global arms race.

Disarmament advocates have expressed concern that the end of the treaty could encourage major nuclear powers to expand their arsenals, with China potentially accelerating its buildup. Wadephul emphasized that any future arms control framework must include China, noting that Beijing often speaks in favor of multilateralism and should now demonstrate its commitment by investing in trust and restraint in international relations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also recently called for a new agreement that includes China, arguing that meaningful 21st-century arms control is impossible without its participation. Experts cited in the report estimate China currently possesses about 550 strategic nuclear launch systems, fewer than the roughly 800 each held by the United States and Russia.

Public transport across Germany was largely paralyzed on Monday as thousands of bus and tram workers went on strike amid freezing temperatures. The strike, called by the major trade union Verdi, affected nearly all of Germany’s 16 federal states except one, leaving passengers stranded at empty stops. About 150 municipal transport companies suspended operations in cities including Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen, causing widespread travel disruption.

Verdi said it decided to strike after talks with municipal and state employers over working conditions broke down last week. Representing around 100,000 transport workers, the union is demanding shorter shifts, longer rest breaks, and higher pay for night and weekend work. Verdi’s chief negotiator, Serhat Kanyurt, stated that the strike began as planned and urged transport authorities to return to negotiations.

Union officials said services in Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, and Freiburg would remain halted all day. Deutsche Bahn, the national rail operator, confirmed its S-Bahn and long-distance trains were running normally as its employees are not part of Verdi. Union leaders warned that if no progress is made in talks scheduled for February 9, more severe actions could follow.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, accusing the American administration of destroying the global order. Speaking at an event in Berlin on Wednesday night, Steinmeier urged the international community to prevent the world from turning into a “den of robbers,” where lawless powers seize whatever they want. He warned that global democracy is under unprecedented attack.

Referring to recent U.S. actions such as efforts to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Steinmeier described them as a “historic rupture.” He compared the current behavior of the United States to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling both major threats to the world order. He emphasized that the practice of powerful nations treating other regions as their private property must end immediately.

Although the German presidency is largely ceremonial, Steinmeier’s strong remarks have drawn significant attention within Germany, highlighting growing concern over U.S. foreign conduct and its implications for international stability.

Harry Kane has achieved a new milestone in the German Bundesliga, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goal contributions. The Bayern Munich striker reached the mark with a goal in a 4–0 victory over Heidenheim, helping his team strengthen their lead at the top of the table by nine points. Kane scored in stoppage time after earlier goals from Josip Stanisic, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz.

This record underscores Kane’s remarkable consistency since joining Bayern. In the current season, he has scored 30 goals in 25 matches across all competitions, including 19 in the Bundesliga. His 81 goals and 19 assists in league play make him the quickest to achieve a century of goal involvements, surpassing Dutch legend Arjen Robben, who needed 119 matches to reach the same feat.

The record further cements Kane’s status as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. Bayern’s strong form positions them well for the new year, with Kane’s performance continuing to drive their domestic and continental ambitions.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Berlin’s Kreuzberg district on Tuesday evening to express solidarity with Palestinians and protest Israel’s continuing military operations in Gaza. Participants gathered at Hohenstaufen Square, carrying lanterns and candles as they moved toward Hallesches Tor subway station. The rally, reported by Anadolu Agency, featured Palestinian flags and chants such as “Free Palestine,” while protesters criticized the German government’s support for Israel.

Organizers and participants condemned what they described as a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, citing figures that nearly 70,700 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed since October 2023, with more than 171,000 injured. Protesters accused Western nations of remaining silent in the face of widespread destruction across the enclave.

Analysts view the Berlin torchlight march as part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across Europe, reflecting growing public concern over civilian casualties and calls for stronger international intervention to halt the violence.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany is prepared to send troops to Ukraine as part of a European-led multinational coalition, emphasizing that the mission would not be under U.S. leadership. Speaking to state broadcaster ZDF, Merz said Berlin supports a 'coalition of the willing' that could include European nations along with Canada, Australia, and others.

The statement followed two days of talks in Berlin involving Ukraine, the United States, and several European countries, where participants discussed forming a European-led force to assist Ukrainian defense operations and secure air and maritime zones. Merz suggested such a deployment could help secure a ceasefire with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously rejected any foreign troop presence in Ukraine, but Merz noted that Moscow has sometimes reversed earlier refusals.

Analysts say Germany’s stance signals a shift toward stronger European strategic autonomy in the Ukraine conflict. Further consultations are expected among EU and NATO partners to define the coalition’s scope and mandate.

Seventeen-year-old Lenart Karl made history as Bayern Munich defeated Sporting Lisbon 3–1 in the UEFA Champions League. Karl scored a decisive goal in the second half, helping Bayern overturn an early own goal by Joshua Kimmich. His performance not only secured victory but also set a new record, making him the youngest player ever to score in three consecutive Champions League matches.

The record previously belonged to Kylian Mbappé, who achieved the feat at 18 years and 113 days while playing for AS Monaco. Karl, at just 17 years and 290 days, surpassed that milestone, drawing widespread attention from fans and analysts. Despite the presence of star striker Harry Kane, Karl emerged as Bayern’s main attacking threat, showcasing composure and precision beyond his years.

The teenager’s rapid rise has sparked speculation about a potential call-up to Germany’s senior national team ahead of the next World Cup. His breakout performance signals a new generation of European football talent challenging established stars like Mbappé.

Germany’s Bundestag has approved a new voluntary military service program for 18-year-olds, marking a major shift in the country’s defense policy. The initiative, set to begin in January 2026, requires all 18-year-old men to respond to a mandatory questionnaire about their interest in joining the armed forces, while participation remains optional for women. The move is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s broader plan to build “Europe’s strongest army.”

The law passed by a 323–272 vote and has sparked widespread protests across nearly 90 German cities, with students and youth groups opposing what they see as a step toward militarization. Demonstrators argue that young people should not be trained for war, emphasizing that conflict destroys their future rather than securing it. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that from 2027, all 18-year-old men will undergo medical screening to assess their fitness for potential deployment.

Germany currently has about 182,000 active troops and aims to expand to 260,000 by the early 2030s. Officials have not ruled out reinstating mandatory conscription if voluntary enlistment falls short or security conditions worsen.

Germany announced on Monday that it will lift its restrictions on military equipment exports to Israel starting November 24, following weeks of relative stability since the Gaza ceasefire took effect on October 10. Chancellor Friedrich Merz had imposed the suspension in early August after Israel’s cabinet decided to advance on Gaza City. Government spokesperson Sebastian Hille said the decision was based on the ceasefire’s durability and the ongoing delivery of humanitarian aid. He emphasized that Berlin expects all parties to uphold the agreements reached. Once the restrictions are lifted, Germany will assess export requests on a case-by-case basis, as per standard procedure. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the move and urged other governments to follow Germany’s example. Israel sources nearly 70% of its military supplies from the United States, while Germany is its second-largest arms supplier, having exported €485 million worth of weapons since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023.

The German government has acknowledged that 714 neo-Nazis with active arrest warrants remain at large across the country. According to a report published Sunday, the disclosure came in response to a parliamentary inquiry by the opposition Left Party. Of these fugitives, 115 are believed to be abroad, including 20 in Poland and 13 in Austria. Around 39 of those abroad are wanted for violent crimes. Left-wing politicians and analysts have expressed alarm over the persistently high number of unexecuted warrants against right-wing extremists, urging immediate government action. Data from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) show that right-wing extremist crimes in Germany reached their highest level in 2024 since records began in 2001, with 42,788 racist offenses reported last year—a nearly 50% increase from the previous year. The revelations have reignited debate over the government's effectiveness in combating extremism and ensuring national security.

German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is set to visit China for high-level financial talks, marking the first trip by a cabinet minister from the new German government to its key trading partner. The visit comes amid strained relations following Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s canceled trip and growing concerns over China’s export controls on rare earths, which have exposed Germany’s economic dependence on Beijing. Klingbeil aims to strike a conciliatory tone, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation while cautioning that any Chinese military action against Taiwan would alter Berlin’s stance. The German parliament recently established a commission to review economic ties and Chinese investments in critical infrastructure. The outcome of Klingbeil’s visit could influence whether Chancellor Friedrich Merz undertakes his own trip to China, as Berlin seeks to balance economic interests with geopolitical caution in an increasingly complex relationship.

An auction of Holocaust-related items and documents in Neuss, western Germany, was canceled following widespread condemnation from international and domestic figures. The Felzmann auction house had planned to sell artifacts including worn Stars of David, Nazi documents, and personal papers of Jewish victims and survivors. The International Auschwitz Committee (IAC) called the sale 'cynical and shameless,' arguing that such items belong in museums or memorials, not private collections. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and German officials, including Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer, also criticized the auction, emphasizing the moral duty to preserve victims’ memory respectfully. The auction, titled 'System of Terror Vol II,' included documents from 1933–1945, such as forced sterilization records from Dachau and identification papers of Jews who escaped to South America. Following the backlash, the auction house confirmed the event’s cancellation and removed the listing from its website. Officials have called for measures to prevent similar sales in the future.

Germany has deployed a team of unarmed police officers to the Palestinian territories as part of its long-term efforts to strengthen local security institutions and promote stability in the Middle East. According to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, the officers, stationed in Jerusalem, will assist in restructuring and training Palestinian police and security forces through the Office for Security Cooperation (OSC). The four-member team arrived about two weeks ago and is expanding Germany’s ongoing support program that has been active for over 15 years. Dobrindt emphasized that an effective police force is essential for achieving lasting peace in the region. The move reflects Germany’s continued commitment to peacebuilding and institutional development in the Palestinian territories amid ongoing regional tensions.