June 18, 2026
In the closing weeks of Germany’s election campaign, issues of violence and migration played a pivotal role in shaping the national debate. Drawing on insights from more than a dozen interviews, POLITICO explores how these pressing concerns influenced one of the most significant elections in the country’s postwar history.
(Originally published on February 24 | Estimated reading time: 12 minutes)
So, looks like Germany is finally realizing that a strong defense might be more important than endless debates about who gets the last bratwurst at Oktoberfest. 🥨 If only we could defend our way out of awkward conversations, eh? 😂
So, they’re finally getting around to spending on defense, eh? Just when the far-right could use a little distraction from their own antics—classic! 🤷♂️💰
Oh, brilliant! Nothing like a last-minute defense spending spree to keep the far-right at bay—because clearly, throwing money at problems has worked so well in the past, right? 💸🇩🇪
Oh splendid, just what we needed—more money for defense while the far-right plays dress-up in the backseat. Who knew buying tanks could be the new trendy campaign strategy? 😂💰
So, we’re gonna throw cash at defense now, eh? Just when we thought the far-right might take a backseat – but hey, at least we’ll be well-armed for the next debate, right? 😂💰
A World Cup opener in Dallas unites English hopes and Croatian tournament legacy
England kicks off their 2026 FIFA World Cup against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, a clash influenced by factors beyond the group stage. For Thomas Tuchel’s team, it’s a chance to see if their talented squad can translate potential into success. For Croatia, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that tournament
The EU has warmly welcomed the agreement reached between the US and Iran.
This, it goes on to say, follows “sustained diplomatic effort” by several partners.
The priority now, cautions the EU, is its “swift and full implementation by all parties.”
The war began with US and Israeli strikes across Iran on 28 February, prompting Iran to attack Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf
Commission pres
Parliament supports expedited procedures, extended detention, and return hubs as key safeguards in the migration debate
The European Parliament has sanctioned a new EU-wide system for returning third-country nationals lacking legal residency rights, providing political momentum to one of the most debated aspects of Europe’s migration overhaul. The reform aims to speed up and make return decision
It is difficult to see how the Europe question will not resurface once Labour has decided to politely thank Sir Keir Starmer for his work in making Labour re-electable after the lost Corbyn years but look for a new leader and prime minister who is a professional politician not a government legal manager who decided to go into politics as a retirement hobby.
In his latest batch of opinion polls
Walk through any European city today and the transformation is visible. Charging stations sprout on street corners. Electric buses glide silently through historic squares. The continent’s green transition is no longer a policy paper ambition – it is being built, street by street, factory by factory.
But inside Europe’s corridors of power, a different mood prevails. Anxiety. The surge of competit
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