Global Scans · Germany · Weekly Summary

• [New] There could be direct rail links between London and Germany from the early 2030s, after Eurostar signed an agreement with Deutsche Bahn. IanVisits
• [New] Chinese export restrictions on critical minerals have led companies - such as France's Thales and Germany's Rheinmetall - to warn of higher costs as they restructure supply chains. Space War
• [New] Germany's parliament has voted to reintroduce voluntary military service, but getting Gen Z recruits could prove tricky. SKY
• [New] German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Germany will provide $200 million toward the packages, which will provide Ukraine with essential supplies, including air defence equipment and ammunition. Critical Threats
• [New] Norway, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands will provide two packages totaling $500 million to Ukraine through the Prioritized Ukrainian Requirements List initiative, which funds NATO states' purchases of US-made weapons for Ukraine. Critical Threats
• [New] The Dresden closure forms one part of Volkswagen's 'Future Volkswagen' programme targeting German production capacity reduction of some 730,000 vehicles annually through 2028 and 35,000 'socially responsible' job reductions by 2030. Automotive World
• [New] Western German federal states are currently short of 1.2 million housing units, a considerably higher figure than previously predicted. The Left Berlin
• [New] Lyft and Baidu have announced they will launch Baidu's RT6 robotaxis (the one it has launched in thousands in China and some in the Middle East) on the Lyft app in Germany and the UK (assuming it will be London) in 2026, pending regulatory approval. Eleport
• [New] In Europe, countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are expected to be key markets for retreaded tires, driven by the focus on sustainability and environmental conservation. Strategic Revenue Insights Inc.
• [New] Millions of passengers could benefit from quicker and more convenient travel across Europe as Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn have confirmed joint plans for a direct high-speed rail connection between Germany and London. GOV.UK
• [New] Germany and the Vulnerable Twenty Group will be contributing some principles to the design of the Fund which are based on their practical experience with the Global Shield against Climate Risks, launched by Germany and the V20 a year ago as trailblazer. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
• [New] Several factors could hinder the continuation of disinflation, such as the planned increase in the minimum wage (EUR13.9 in 2026, then EUR14.6 in 2027, vs. EUR12.82 currently) and the German investment and European rearmament plans, which are likely to revive wage pressures in the long term. economic-research.bnpparibas.com
• [New] In Germany, large fiscal spending is projected to boost construction activity, raising construction costs and resulting in an estimated 1.2-percentage-point impact on property claims payout growth between 2025 and 2027. Insurance Business
• [New] Ahead of regional elections across Germany in 2026, Holm, 55, is now set to become the Alternative for Germany party's top candidate in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a largely rural area bordering Poland and the Baltic Sea. Politico
• [New] Germany's coalition government plans to re-examine its trade policies towards China. Last Week in ConTech
• [New] Germany's public deficit is expected to be above 3% in 2025, but it will not be punished because it is fully explained by the increase in defence spending. Space War
• [New] German luxury giant BMW thinks it might have a clever solution for range anxiety for the drivers of its largest and most expensive models. ArenaEV
• [New] Agrivoltaic shading could boost farm income from potato production by $3.9bn (£2.95bn) in Germany alone. Positive News
• [New] The idea of a true common Eurobond remains controversial, with a group of countries including Germany, the Netherlands and Nordic nations fearing that shared liability would encourage fiscal irresponsibility. Morningstar, Inc.

Last updated: 09 December 2025