{"id":1872819,"date":"2026-04-08T07:09:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T04:09:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872819"},"modified":"2026-04-08T07:09:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T04:09:01","slug":"germany-abandons-rescue-of-stranded-whale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872819","title":{"rendered":"Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75923878_6.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"s1sfzv1a sk6xmai\">\n<div class=\"content-area sa7l9jt s9mg977\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"sharing-icons-inline\" class=\"c75t7t0 hh5424a in-line closed\">\n<div class=\"copy-button-wrapper closed\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BpgL<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"s4bcs45\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75923878_800.webp 50w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75923878_801.webp 129w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75923878_802.webp 352w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75923878_803.webp 575w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 575px)\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" \/><figcaption class=\"c1oedowi lofg86o m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Strikes impacted Lufthansa&#8217;s flights as recently as February this year<small class=\"copyright c19ed66t ihwmx5 idu7i8u lxmvniw icns9en rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Image: Hannes P. Albert\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" id=\"live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"c1800ln sq3xutt atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section What you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"c2fyhwl ctymiyf content-block i1if36d6 i1ytahzz\">\n<h2 class=\"cp7bjxx h1du6kc5 lt5vbch pohyj9x s16w0xvi m1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z\">What you need to know<\/h2>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>The UFO union calls on members at Lufthansa and Cityline to strike for one day on Friday of this week<\/li>\n<li>Part of\u00a0Germany\u2019s new military service law suggests\u00a0young men will need permission to stay abroad for more than three months<\/li>\n<li>Defense Minister Boris Pistorius says the rule does not apply right now, but might do if conflict appears more likely<\/li>\n<li>Germany&#8217;s domestic intelligence service says a Russian-linked group is targeting people&#8217;s domestic internet routers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Here are the latest headlines from <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em> on Wednesday, April 8, 2026:<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"s1ogwy7c ev9ivjh\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76713162\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76713162\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section WATCH: Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">WATCH: Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Three attempts have been made to free the humpback, nicknamed Timmy. But experts say the whale is now in critical condition, and that lifting it would be too stressful.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale\" class=\"headline\">Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76713122\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76713122\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76698063_605.webp\" data-duration=\"00:40\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2026\/DWVG\/DWVGENG260408_WhaleNew_02SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Bsb4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76713130\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76713130\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section What more do we know about Friday&#8217;s Lufthansa strike? <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">What more do we know about Friday&#8217;s Lufthansa strike? <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76336760\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76336760_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A Lufthansa Boeing 787 at a depature gate at Munich Airport on March 12, 2026, amid a strike. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Lufthansa&#8217;s pilots last went on strike in mid-March, cabin crews downed tools along with the pilots one month prior to that<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Frank Hoermann\/SvenSimon\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ufo-online.aero\/de\/presse\/item\/2694-ufo-ruft-kabinenpersonal-bei-lufthansa-zu-warnstreik-auf.html\" title=\"External link \u2014 The UFO trade union says in a statement\">The UFO trade union says in a statement<\/a> that its members will target all departures from\u00a0Lufthansa&#8217;s two most important airports, Frankfurt Main and Munich, on Friday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ufo-online.aero\/de\/presse\/item\/2693-ufo-ruft-kabinenpersonal-der-lufthansa-cityline-zum-streik-fuer-tariflichen-sozialplan-auf.html\" title=\"External link \u2014 The CityLine strike\">The CityLine strike<\/a> will affect &#8220;all departures&#8221; from Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Bremen, Stuttgart, Cologne-Bonn, D\u00fcsseldorf, Berlin and Hanover, it said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>According to the union, 94% of Lufthansa members and 99% of CityLine members voted in favor of strikes in their vote on the plan last month. It said it had already offered an unofficial grace period to Lufthansa last weekend.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We intentionally left the Easter bank holidays out of the strike measures, in order to keep the affects for travelers as limited as possible,&#8221; UFO chairman Joachim Vazquez B\u00fcrger was quoted as saying. &#8220;That it can now nevertheless lead to disruptions for those returning from holidays is very much known to us and we regret it considerably.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He said the ultimate blame lay with Lufthansa for the disruptions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lufthansa, meanwhile, called on UFO to return to the negotiating table, saying that acceptable solutions could only be found via dialogue and arguing that strikes should always be a last resort.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Therefore we call on the union to restart negotiations with us. We are ready to this at any time,&#8221; the airline said, also noting how the timing of the strike would impact &#8220;return travel at the end of the Easter holidays.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lufthansa is struggling in negotiations not just with the UFO cabin crew union, but also the pilots&#8217; trade\u00a0union<em> Vereinigung Cockpit<\/em>. <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-lufthansa-strike-grounds-hundreds-of-flights\/a-75922927\">The two organizations joined forces in early February in a bid to maximize the impact of their strike<\/a>, leading to major disruptions. <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-pilots-stage-another-strike\/live-76315842\">The pilots then went on strike for another two days in mid-March<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BsaY<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76713020\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76713020\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Lufthansa cabin crew with UFO trade union to strike on Friday<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Lufthansa cabin crew with UFO trade union to strike on Friday<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The UFO trade union has called on Lufthansa cabin crew staff to a one-day strike this Friday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The trade union said on Wednesday that it was urging its members both with <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa\/t-17443992\">Lufthansa<\/a> and its Cityline regional subsidiary to down tools from midnight until 10 p.m..\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Lufthansa strike would hit all departures from Germany&#8217;s two busiest airports, Frankfurt and Munich. Meanwhile, Cityline\u00a0cabin crews at nine German airports should down tools in the same time window.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The move follows a members&#8217; vote in late March when the large majority voted in favor of strikes amid failed negotiations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The talks center around issues including working conditions for 19,000 members working for Lufthansa and social provisions for the 800 members working for Cityline, which faces a phase-out amid restructuring.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This situation could have been avoided, the responsibility lies\u00a0with Luftansa, which so far has not even managed to present an offer worthy of negotiation,&#8221;\u00a0UFO&#8217;s Joachim Vazquez B\u00fcrger said as he announced the strike.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-lufthansa-strike-grounds-hundreds-of-flights\/a-75922927\">Several other strikes<\/a>, mainly <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa-pilots-crew-to-strike-on-thursday\/a-75901363\">involving pilots but also crew<\/a>, have made headlines for Germany&#8217;s flagship airline in recent months.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BsYm<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76712919\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76712919\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Freiburg&#8217;s Ginter fined for outburst after last-minute defeat to Bayern Munich<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Freiburg&#8217;s Ginter fined for outburst after last-minute defeat to Bayern Munich<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76685055\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76685055_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"bayern Munich's Lennart Karl celebrates after scoring his teams third goal, Bundesliga, Sport-Club Freiburg v FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen, Europa-Park Stadion, April 4, 2026 in Freiburg, Germany. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Bayern only won the game thanks to a pair of late goals, and a very late goal for Lennart Karl, to complete the comeback<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Marco Steinbrenner\/DeFodi Images\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/sc-freiburg\/t-19441598\">Freiburg<\/a>&#8216;s Matthias Ginter has been fined \u20ac15,000 (roughly $17,500) for losing his temper after the stoppage-time Bundesliga defeat to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bayern-munich\/t-17346397\">Bayern Munich<\/a> last Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Freiburg led 2-1 at home after 90 minutes, but utlimately lost 3-2, with the last goal falling after an unusually lengthy nine minutes of stoppage time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>After the full time whistle, when referee Daniel Siebert and his team were already in the match officials&#8217; changing room, the German Football Association (DFB) says that Ginter let out a cry and kicked against the outside of their door.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The veteran defender, part of the 2014 World Cup-winning Germany team, apologized to the match officials afterwards. He also preemptively accepted the findings of the DFB&#8217;s sporting tribunal in hopes of a milder punishment, meaning he and SC Freiburg will not appeal the decision.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Freiburg sit eighth in the table, still in the hunt to qualify for European competition next season. Saturday&#8217;s turnaround has not helped their chances, however.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BsX9<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76712154\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76712154\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section German company to try Spectrum rocket launch in Norway again on Thursday<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">German company to try Spectrum rocket launch in Norway again on Thursday<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"72090062\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/72090062_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt='In this photo taken from video provided by Isar Aerospace, Photo Wingmen Media, Isar Aerospace test rocket \"Spectrum\" explodes and falls back down into the water after a launch at Andoya Spaceport in Nordmela, on And\u00f8ya Island, Norway, Sunday, March 30, 2025. '><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Spectrum&#8217;s first test launch was a partial success, in that it lifted off successfully, but it soon exploded<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Wingmen Media\/Isar Aerospace\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>German startup Isar Aerospace will try its delayed second test flight on Thursday, after delays to earlier dates.<\/p>\n<p>The Munich-based company said the new launch window from the Andoya Spaceport in northern Norway opens at 2000 GMT\/UTC, and that the attempt would be broadcast live on YouTube.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Spectrum rocket is meant as a means to deliver small satellites into low-earth orbit, a critical capability in the modern age where Europe currently relies on US companies like Elon Musk&#8217;s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos&#8217; Blue Origin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-space-rocket-explodes-seconds-into-test-flight\/a-72089570\">Spectrum completed its first test flight in March 2025<\/a>. The company hailed the launch as a success, even though the rocket then exploded around 30 seconds after liftoff, saying it had been able to collect valuable data.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In January, the company had to call off its second launch because of a valve malfunction.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The latest attempt, in late March, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-approves-fuel-station-price-brake-amid-iran-war-and-rising-oil-costs\/live-76539515\">had to be aborted becuase a local fisherman&#8217;s trawler was in the exclusion zone near the launch site<\/a>and could not leave before the launch window closed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Europe is currently lagging behind the US, China, Russia and India in the space sector. In a sign of the strategic importance of the project, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-merz-visits-spaceport-and-nato-drill-in-norway\/live-76346652\">German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr-Store visited the spaceport to inspect the project during Merz&#8217;s visit to Norway in March<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 German-made test rocket crashes after takeoff\" class=\"headline\">German-made test rocket crashes after takeoff<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-72091595\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"72091595\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/72090036_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:13\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20250330_spectrum23g_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BsKo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76711821\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76711821\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Germany says Hormuz must remain toll-free <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Germany says Hormuz must remain toll-free <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz must remain toll free in accordance with international law, a\u00a0German government spokesperson said\u00a0on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Leading up to yesterday&#8217;s ceasefire, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-us-war-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-oil\/a-76503935\">multiple reports have indicated<\/a> Iran planned to charge tankers the equivalent of\u00a0$2 million\u00a0for transiting the Strait, with payments to be made in Chinese yuan. bypassing the US petrodollar.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A spokesman for the Foreign Office in Berlin noted on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz is not only part of Iran&#8217;s waters, but subject to UN\u00a0maritime treaties.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And that is why it is essential that, when operations resume, free, safe and toll-free maritime traffic is guaranteed,&#8221;\u00a0he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That is the German position, which is derived from the applicable international law.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Opening the strait was a key part of the ceasefire agreement, but fuel prices are likely to remain high at least in the short term.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We need to be realistic in several respects,&#8221; said German deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille. &#8220;Reopening the Strait of Hormuz will take time and will not immediately restore the situation to what it was in February.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Despite the agreement, vessels in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday\u00a0reported continued threats from the Iranian military.<\/p>\n<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said shipping in the area would go ahead only in coordination with Iran&#8217;s armed forces, &#8220;and with due consideration of technical limitations,&#8221; according to a post by Iran&#8217;s national broadcaster IRIB on X.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Shipping in limbo as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens\" class=\"headline\">Shipping in limbo as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76292700\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76292700\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76303314_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:45\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2026\/BUSI\/BUSIENG260311_QWIHapagLlyod_CMS_01SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BsFR<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76709632\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76709632\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Germany cautious as Iran ceasefire takes hold <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Germany cautious as Iran ceasefire takes hold <\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> DW Senior Political Correspondent<\/span><\/span><span><span class=\"separator lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> | <\/span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> Editor<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>What does the German government think about the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-says-lebanon-not-part-of-ceasefire-deal-iran-says-it-is\/live-76700191\">US-Iran ceasefire agreement<\/a>? What does Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> think? Media representatives in the German capital, Berlin, wanted to get answers to these questions on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the fear of another massive escalation in the Middle East, which had been palpable in political circles in Berlin just a few hours earlier, the official reactions were almost void of any emotion.<\/p>\n<p>Just before 8:00 a.m., the Federal Press Office had sent out a short statement from the chancellor reading, among other things: &#8220;The goal now must be to negotiate a lasting end to the war in the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic channels.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>That was also the message given in the Federal Press Conference a few hours later: Deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille tried to disclose as little as possible.<\/p>\n<p>There were no details on what it actually means when Germany offers to &#8220;contribute in an appropriate manner to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>There was also no comment on the rumor that the German Navy could send mine-clearing vessels into the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<h3>Merz in contact with all parties involved<\/h3>\n<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly announced that 15 states will gather to actively work towards keeping the faint hope for peace alive. Is Germany among them? &#8220;Intensive discussions are underway,&#8221; government spokesperson Hille said.<\/p>\n<p>But surely Germany must say something about the fact that just a few hours ago, US President Donald Trump <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-trump-amps-up-threats-ahead-of-hormuz-deadline\/live-76683315\">openly threatened Iran with the annihilation<\/a> of an entire civilization? Wasn&#8217;t that a blatant announcement of war crimes? &#8220;I&#8217;m not going to offer any textual analysis of past events,&#8221; government spokesman Hille stated tersely.<\/p>\n<p>And so, the German government&#8217;s only message was that Germany had by no means remained passive on the sidelines during the recent developments in the Gulf. Hille and the spokesman for the Foreign Office, Martin Giese, explained that Chancellor Merz had been in constant contact with all &#8220;relevant parties&#8221; over the Easter weekend, and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had spoken by telephone with his Israeli counterpart.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Shock over gas prices\" class=\"headline\">Shock over gas prices<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76560113\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76560113\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76588684_605.webp\" data-duration=\"03:36\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2026\/BUSI\/BUSIENG260330_CMS_QWI_GASPREISSCHOCK_01SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Brg8<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76707107\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76707107\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Germany urged to boost recognition for Sinti and Roma<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Germany urged to boost recognition for Sinti and Roma<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Germany&#8217;s anti-discrimination commissioner has called for greater recognition of the\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/george-soros-receives-prize-for-work-on-roma-sinti-rights\/a-74473518\">Sinti and Roma<\/a>\u00a0minorities on World Roma Day.<\/p>\n<p>Michael Brand said the minority is a valuable part of society whose voices and contributions must become more visible.<\/p>\n<p>He said Sinti and Roma shape the country culturally, socially, and politically, describing their role as indispensable.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, Brand warned that anti-Roma <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/racism-in-germany-widespread-but-more-subtle-than-before\/a-76461895\">discrimination remains a serious issue<\/a> in Germany. Many people still face exclusion and prejudice, and some choose not to reveal their identity out of fear of rejection.<\/p>\n<p>He said society must not ignore the problem and should take stronger action against discrimination.<\/p>\n<p>The Central Council of German Sinti and Roma on Tuesday said it sees a growing and violent antagonism against the minorities in Europe.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Anti-democratic parties in Europe are once again exploiting the public&#8217;s fears for the future and stoking hatred against Sinti and Roma in their election campaigns,&#8221; the council said. In Germany alone, attacks on the groups\u00a0have increased by 40%\u00a0since 2023.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Unseen heroes \u2014 Sinti and Roma resist Nazis\" class=\"headline\">Unseen heroes \u2014 Sinti and Roma resist Nazis<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-70641634\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"70641634\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/70641150_605.webp\" data-duration=\"26:04\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/a21\/a21241102_gesamt_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Br1P<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76705901\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76705901\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Stranded humpback whale near Wismar still alive<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Stranded humpback whale near Wismar still alive<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76698035\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76698035_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Experts approach the stranded whale off Wismar\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The whale has remained in the same place off the island of Poel for the past week and is increasingly unresponsive<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Philip Dulian\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-hope-fades-for-stranded-humpback-whales-survival\/a-76629035\">humpback whale<\/a> that has been stranded and ill in the Baltic Sea off the port city of Wismar for more than a week is still alive.<\/p>\n<p>The situation remains unchanged, a spokesperson for the water police confirmed on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The whale has several health issues that are affecting it and will ultimately lead to its death,&#8221; Bianca K\u00f6nig of\u00a0Whale and Dolphin Conservation Germany told the DPA news agency.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The whale has several health issues that are affecting it and will ultimately lead to its death.&#8221; It could happen this evening, but it could also take three days. The whale not breathing for\u00a0an hour would be taken as a sign that it is dead.<\/p>\n<p>The main problem is the animal&#8217;s weight and the shallow water: &#8220;Whales need the weightlessness of the water; the weight will continue to press on its organs, leading to organ failure and circulatory collapse,&#8221; said K\u00f6nig. &#8220;It depends on how much buoyancy it has in the water and its overall condition.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The option of euthanasia is off the table because too little is known about its practical application with such large mammals.<\/p>\n<p>A day earlier, experts, together with Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania&#8217;s Environment Minister Till Backhaus, presented the latest findings on the whale&#8217;s condition. The animal will neither be rescued alive nor will it be able to swim free on its own.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Bqhx<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76705518\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76705518\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Deutsche Bahn reports slightly improved March punctuality<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Deutsche Bahn reports slightly improved March punctuality<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76705516\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76705516_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A crowd of travelers in Stuttgart's main train station stood near the train departures boards at the platform entries. April 3, 2026. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Six out of 10 of Deutsche Bahn&#8217;s long-distance trains were on time in March, for just the second month in the last 10<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Arnulf Hettrich\/imageBROKER\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>German national\u00a0rail operator <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/deutsche-bahn\/t-19021273\">Deutsche Bahn (DB)<\/a> has reported a slight boost to the punctuality of its long-distance express trains in March.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>DB&#8217;s provisional monthly figures put the punctuality of IC (Inter-City)\u00a0and ICE (Inter-City Express) trains at 62.1%, compared to 59.4% in February and 52.1% in January. The rail operator said this modest improvement came despite more maintenance and repair works around the rail network.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The frost- and snow-laden start to the year delayed numerous work sites,&#8221; Bahn said. &#8220;In the milder March temperatures, our construction teams caught up on lots of jobs and, in parallel, made a start on planned assignments. As a result, March&#8217;s construction activity was well above February&#8217;s.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To be classified as late, a long-distance train has to be more than 6 minutes later than scheduled.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>DB&#8217;s long-distance passenger punctuality rate, in other words, the share of passengers reaching their destination on time rather than the share of locomotives, was slightly higher, at 68.1%, indicating somewhat better performance on the busier routes and services.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/why-german-trains-are-rarely-on-time\/a-75206414\">The monthly tracking of DB&#8217;s punctuality drew headlines during the last year in particular<\/a>, with 60% becoming a fairly unimpressive badge of honor for the rail operator. Since June of last year, long distance trains have only maintained a punctuality rate above 60% twice, last December and now this March. October 2025 (51.5%) was the low point.<\/p>\n<p>Short-distance, regional trains meanwhile have a much more stable punctuality rate, this figure\u00a0rose marginally in March to 88.8% from 88.1% the previous month.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Germany: Front-line workers face growing abuse, violence\" class=\"headline\">Germany: Front-line workers face growing abuse, violence<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76616754\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76616754\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76617367_605.webp\" data-duration=\"12:20\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260401_FocusViolenceOnDuty_YT_ENG_07SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Bqbm<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76704626\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76704626\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section WWII bomb defused after evacuation in Koblenz<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">WWII bomb defused after evacuation in Koblenz<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76704534\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76704534_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Preparations head of the defusing of the bomb on a stretch of the Mosel River\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The dredging ship carrying the device was moved to be defused<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Sascha Ditscher\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A World War II bomb found in the Rhine has been defused in the western city of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-meteorite-punches-through-a-house-in-koblenz\/a-76275189\">Koblenz<\/a> after a large-scale evacuation.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities said the 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) unexploded bomb was discovered during bridge construction work on a dredging vessel and was safely defused on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Around 1,100 people were affected by evacuation measures as bomb disposal experts secured the site. The vessel carrying the device had been moved to part of the Mosel River\u00a0on the city\u2019s southwestern edge, where specialists carried out the operation.<\/p>\n<p>Officials said relocating the bomb further was considered too dangerous. A one-kilometer evacuation zone covered parts of the Lay district, as well as a campsite, a railway line, and several federal roads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BqNO<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76704369\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76704369\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section ADAC criticizes cartel office over rising fuel prices<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">ADAC criticizes cartel office over rising fuel prices<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The German motoring organization ADAC has accused authorities of inaction as <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-considers-windfall-tax-amid-rising-fuel-prices\/a-76437425\">fuel prices continue to climb<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ADAC transport chief Karsten Schulze said it was incomprehensible that the Federal Cartel Office was not using its expanded powers and remained in an observer role.<\/p>\n<p>The criticism comes after <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-new-fuel-price-law-prompts-huge-midday-spike\/live-76616425\">Germany introduced a rule allowing fuel stations to raise prices<\/a> only once per day at noon \u2014 the so-called &#8220;Austrian model.&#8221;\u00a0Despite this, diesel prices have continued to rise, hitting new daily average records in recent days.<\/p>\n<p>A cartel office spokesperson said a dedicated team is monitoring the market with high priority, stressing that rising prices alone do not constitute a violation. Authorities are assessing whether price movements reflect oil market trends or potential competition issues.<\/p>\n<p>ADAC, Europe&#8217;s largest automobile association, says companies are pricing fuel beyond what crude oil costs would justify.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The mobility club&#8217;s fears have been confirmed: that oil companies are reacting to the lack of flexibility in price adjustments with significant risk premiums,&#8221; ADAC said. &#8220;Without strong intervention by the Federal Cartel Office and the state authorities,&#8221; the Austrian model will therefore remain &#8220;toothless,&#8221; the club added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 How Germans feel about daily fuel price freeze\" class=\"headline\">How Germans feel about daily fuel price freeze<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76631423\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76631423\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76631318_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:20\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260401_QENERGY19C_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BqJF<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76703554\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76703554\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Germany&#8217;s DAX surges as Iran ceasefire lifts investor mood<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Germany&#8217;s DAX surges as Iran ceasefire lifts investor mood<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/dax-and-other-stock-markets\/t-19102522\">Germany&#8217;s benchmark DAX<\/a>\u00a0stock market index has jumped sharply after a ceasefire agreement in the Iran war.<\/p>\n<p>The index rose nearly 5% at the open to just above 24,100 points before easing slightly, while other European markets also posted strong gains.<\/p>\n<p>France&#8217;s CAC 40 climbed 3.68%, Italy&#8217;s main index in Milan gained 3.93%, and London stocks rose 2.51%.<\/p>\n<p>Oil prices have since fallen sharply following the ceasefire announcement, after previously surging on supply concerns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Bq66<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76703070\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76703070\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Merz backs truce, pushes diplomacy in Iran conflict<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Merz backs truce, pushes diplomacy in Iran conflict<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> has welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran and the reopening of the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-us-war-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-oil\/a-76503935\">Strait of Hormuz<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The goal must now be to negotiate a permanent end to the war in the coming days,&#8221;\u00a0said Merz, who thanked\u00a0Pakistan for mediating the agreement. &#8220;This can only be achieved through diplomatic channels.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Such negotiations serve to protect the Iranian civilian population and ensure security in the region; they can avert a severe global energy crisis,&#8221;\u00a0the chancellor said.<\/p>\n<p>Merz said Germany supports the diplomatic efforts and was in close contact with the US and other partners.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Germany will contribute in an appropriate manner to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,&#8221;\u00a0he added.<\/p>\n<p>Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also welcomed the news, adding that\u00a0&#8220;the consequences of the war continuing would be incalculable.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BpyI<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76702454\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957#post-liveblog-post-76702454\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Neuer shines as Bayern stun Real in Madrid<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Neuer shines as Bayern stun Real in Madrid<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76700134\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76700134_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Santiago Bernabeu, Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (right, Bayern Munich) heads the ball next to Vinicius Junior (left, Real Madrid), Dayot Upamecano (second from left, Bayern Munich) and Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich).\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Veteran Neuer was described as the &#8216;X-factor&#8217; in Bayern&#8217;s performance at the Bernabeu<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Peter Kneffel\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One player has been singled out for particular praise after Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 away win at Real Madrid on Tuesday night, ending a long winless run at the Bernabeu and taking control of their Champions League quarter-final tie.<\/p>\n<p>Club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen praised <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/manuel-neuer-still-germanys-best-goalkeeper\/a-69331083\">goalkeeper Manuel Neuer<\/a> after the match, calling him the team&#8217;s &#8220;X-factor&#8221;\u00a0and highlighting his standout performance.<\/p>\n<p>The 40-year-old\u00a0delivered a series of key saves as Bayern claimed their first victory at the stadium in 25 years. Goals from Luis Diaz and Harry Kane put the visitors ahead before Kylian Mbappe\u00a0pulled one back for Madrid.<\/p>\n<p>After the match, Neuer said the team is enjoying its football and believes &#8220;everything is possible,&#8221; while coach Vincent Kompany said the win should strengthen belief ahead of the return leg.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the advantage, Bayern stressed the job is not done. Neuer called the first leg only a &#8220;first step,&#8221; warning there is still &#8220;hard work&#8221; to come in Munich.<\/p>\n<p>Neuer finished with nine saves, frustrating attackers including Mbapp\u00e9 and Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior, and said simply that stopping such chances is &#8220;what I\u2019m there for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BpoM<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"bp605kw center\">\n<div role=\"button\" data-tracking-name=\"show-more\" class=\"show-more-button s1va3u11 t1y9040i m7i2pic e3w9kkf b19vsmfu cx4rgdt ih9bob8 sngcpkw w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Show more posts<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>The UFO union calls on members at Lufthansa and Cityline to strike for one day on Friday of this week<\/li>\n<li>Part of\u00a0Germany\u2019s new military service law suggests\u00a0young men will need permission to stay abroad for more than three months<\/li>\n<li>Defense Minister Boris Pistorius says the rule does not apply right now, but might do if conflict appears more likely<\/li>\n<li>Germany&#8217;s domestic intelligence service says a Russian-linked group is targeting people&#8217;s domestic internet routers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Here are the latest headlines from <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em> on Wednesday, April 8, 2026:<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Here are the latest headlines from <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em> on Wednesday, April 8, 2026:<\/em><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Three attempts have been made to free the humpback, nicknamed Timmy. But experts say the whale is now in critical condition, and that lifting it would be too stressful.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale\" class=\"headline\">Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76713122\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76713122\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76698063_605.webp\" data-duration=\"00:40\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2026\/DWVG\/DWVGENG260408_WhaleNew_02SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Three attempts have been made to free the humpback, nicknamed Timmy. But experts say the whale is now in critical condition, and that lifting it would be too stressful.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76336760\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76336760_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A Lufthansa Boeing 787 at a depature gate at Munich Airport on March 12, 2026, amid a strike. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Lufthansa&#8217;s pilots last went on strike in mid-March, cabin crews downed tools along with the pilots one month prior to that<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Frank Hoermann\/SvenSimon\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ufo-online.aero\/de\/presse\/item\/2694-ufo-ruft-kabinenpersonal-bei-lufthansa-zu-warnstreik-auf.html\" title=\"External link \u2014 The UFO trade union says in a statement\">The UFO trade union says in a statement<\/a> that its members will target all departures from\u00a0Lufthansa&#8217;s two most important airports, Frankfurt Main and Munich, on Friday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ufo-online.aero\/de\/presse\/item\/2693-ufo-ruft-kabinenpersonal-der-lufthansa-cityline-zum-streik-fuer-tariflichen-sozialplan-auf.html\" title=\"External link \u2014 The CityLine strike\">The CityLine strike<\/a> will affect &#8220;all departures&#8221; from Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Bremen, Stuttgart, Cologne-Bonn, D\u00fcsseldorf, Berlin and Hanover, it said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>According to the union, 94% of Lufthansa members and 99% of CityLine members voted in favor of strikes in their vote on the plan last month. It said it had already offered an unofficial grace period to Lufthansa last weekend.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We intentionally left the Easter bank holidays out of the strike measures, in order to keep the affects for travelers as limited as possible,&#8221; UFO chairman Joachim Vazquez B\u00fcrger was quoted as saying. &#8220;That it can now nevertheless lead to disruptions for those returning from holidays is very much known to us and we regret it considerably.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He said the ultimate blame lay with Lufthansa for the disruptions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lufthansa, meanwhile, called on UFO to return to the negotiating table, saying that acceptable solutions could only be found via dialogue and arguing that strikes should always be a last resort.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Therefore we call on the union to restart negotiations with us. We are ready to this at any time,&#8221; the airline said, also noting how the timing of the strike would impact &#8220;return travel at the end of the Easter holidays.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lufthansa is struggling in negotiations not just with the UFO cabin crew union, but also the pilots&#8217; trade\u00a0union<em> Vereinigung Cockpit<\/em>. <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-lufthansa-strike-grounds-hundreds-of-flights\/a-75922927\">The two organizations joined forces in early February in a bid to maximize the impact of their strike<\/a>, leading to major disruptions. <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-pilots-stage-another-strike\/live-76315842\">The pilots then went on strike for another two days in mid-March<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ufo-online.aero\/de\/presse\/item\/2694-ufo-ruft-kabinenpersonal-bei-lufthansa-zu-warnstreik-auf.html\" title=\"External link \u2014 The UFO trade union says in a statement\">The UFO trade union says in a statement<\/a> that its members will target all departures from\u00a0Lufthansa&#8217;s two most important airports, Frankfurt Main and Munich, on Friday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ufo-online.aero\/de\/presse\/item\/2693-ufo-ruft-kabinenpersonal-der-lufthansa-cityline-zum-streik-fuer-tariflichen-sozialplan-auf.html\" title=\"External link \u2014 The CityLine strike\">The CityLine strike<\/a> will affect &#8220;all departures&#8221; from Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Bremen, Stuttgart, Cologne-Bonn, D\u00fcsseldorf, Berlin and Hanover, it said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>According to the union, 94% of Lufthansa members and 99% of CityLine members voted in favor of strikes in their vote on the plan last month. It said it had already offered an unofficial grace period to Lufthansa last weekend.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We intentionally left the Easter bank holidays out of the strike measures, in order to keep the affects for travelers as limited as possible,&#8221; UFO chairman Joachim Vazquez B\u00fcrger was quoted as saying. &#8220;That it can now nevertheless lead to disruptions for those returning from holidays is very much known to us and we regret it considerably.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He said the ultimate blame lay with Lufthansa for the disruptions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lufthansa, meanwhile, called on UFO to return to the negotiating table, saying that acceptable solutions could only be found via dialogue and arguing that strikes should always be a last resort.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Therefore we call on the union to restart negotiations with us. We are ready to this at any time,&#8221; the airline said, also noting how the timing of the strike would impact &#8220;return travel at the end of the Easter holidays.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lufthansa is struggling in negotiations not just with the UFO cabin crew union, but also the pilots&#8217; trade\u00a0union<em> Vereinigung Cockpit<\/em>. <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-lufthansa-strike-grounds-hundreds-of-flights\/a-75922927\">The two organizations joined forces in early February in a bid to maximize the impact of their strike<\/a>, leading to major disruptions. <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-pilots-stage-another-strike\/live-76315842\">The pilots then went on strike for another two days in mid-March<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The UFO trade union has called on Lufthansa cabin crew staff to a one-day strike this Friday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The trade union said on Wednesday that it was urging its members both with <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa\/t-17443992\">Lufthansa<\/a> and its Cityline regional subsidiary to down tools from midnight until 10 p.m..\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Lufthansa strike would hit all departures from Germany&#8217;s two busiest airports, Frankfurt and Munich. Meanwhile, Cityline\u00a0cabin crews at nine German airports should down tools in the same time window.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The move follows a members&#8217; vote in late March when the large majority voted in favor of strikes amid failed negotiations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The talks center around issues including working conditions for 19,000 members working for Lufthansa and social provisions for the 800 members working for Cityline, which faces a phase-out amid restructuring.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This situation could have been avoided, the responsibility lies\u00a0with Luftansa, which so far has not even managed to present an offer worthy of negotiation,&#8221;\u00a0UFO&#8217;s Joachim Vazquez B\u00fcrger said as he announced the strike.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-lufthansa-strike-grounds-hundreds-of-flights\/a-75922927\">Several other strikes<\/a>, mainly <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa-pilots-crew-to-strike-on-thursday\/a-75901363\">involving pilots but also crew<\/a>, have made headlines for Germany&#8217;s flagship airline in recent months.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The UFO trade union has called on Lufthansa cabin crew staff to a one-day strike this Friday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The trade union said on Wednesday that it was urging its members both with <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa\/t-17443992\">Lufthansa<\/a> and its Cityline regional subsidiary to down tools from midnight until 10 p.m..\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Lufthansa strike would hit all departures from Germany&#8217;s two busiest airports, Frankfurt and Munich. Meanwhile, Cityline\u00a0cabin crews at nine German airports should down tools in the same time window.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The move follows a members&#8217; vote in late March when the large majority voted in favor of strikes amid failed negotiations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The talks center around issues including working conditions for 19,000 members working for Lufthansa and social provisions for the 800 members working for Cityline, which faces a phase-out amid restructuring.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This situation could have been avoided, the responsibility lies\u00a0with Luftansa, which so far has not even managed to present an offer worthy of negotiation,&#8221;\u00a0UFO&#8217;s Joachim Vazquez B\u00fcrger said as he announced the strike.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-lufthansa-strike-grounds-hundreds-of-flights\/a-75922927\">Several other strikes<\/a>, mainly <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/lufthansa-pilots-crew-to-strike-on-thursday\/a-75901363\">involving pilots but also crew<\/a>, have made headlines for Germany&#8217;s flagship airline in recent months.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76685055\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76685055_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"bayern Munich's Lennart Karl celebrates after scoring his teams third goal, Bundesliga, Sport-Club Freiburg v FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen, Europa-Park Stadion, April 4, 2026 in Freiburg, Germany. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Bayern only won the game thanks to a pair of late goals, and a very late goal for Lennart Karl, to complete the comeback<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Marco Steinbrenner\/DeFodi Images\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/sc-freiburg\/t-19441598\">Freiburg<\/a>&#8216;s Matthias Ginter has been fined \u20ac15,000 (roughly $17,500) for losing his temper after the stoppage-time Bundesliga defeat to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bayern-munich\/t-17346397\">Bayern Munich<\/a> last Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Freiburg led 2-1 at home after 90 minutes, but utlimately lost 3-2, with the last goal falling after an unusually lengthy nine minutes of stoppage time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>After the full time whistle, when referee Daniel Siebert and his team were already in the match officials&#8217; changing room, the German Football Association (DFB) says that Ginter let out a cry and kicked against the outside of their door.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The veteran defender, part of the 2014 World Cup-winning Germany team, apologized to the match officials afterwards. He also preemptively accepted the findings of the DFB&#8217;s sporting tribunal in hopes of a milder punishment, meaning he and SC Freiburg will not appeal the decision.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Freiburg sit eighth in the table, still in the hunt to qualify for European competition next season. Saturday&#8217;s turnaround has not helped their chances, however.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/sc-freiburg\/t-19441598\">Freiburg<\/a>&#8216;s Matthias Ginter has been fined \u20ac15,000 (roughly $17,500) for losing his temper after the stoppage-time Bundesliga defeat to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bayern-munich\/t-17346397\">Bayern Munich<\/a> last Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Freiburg led 2-1 at home after 90 minutes, but utlimately lost 3-2, with the last goal falling after an unusually lengthy nine minutes of stoppage time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>After the full time whistle, when referee Daniel Siebert and his team were already in the match officials&#8217; changing room, the German Football Association (DFB) says that Ginter let out a cry and kicked against the outside of their door.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The veteran defender, part of the 2014 World Cup-winning Germany team, apologized to the match officials afterwards. He also preemptively accepted the findings of the DFB&#8217;s sporting tribunal in hopes of a milder punishment, meaning he and SC Freiburg will not appeal the decision.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Freiburg sit eighth in the table, still in the hunt to qualify for European competition next season. Saturday&#8217;s turnaround has not helped their chances, however.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"72090062\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/72090062_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt='In this photo taken from video provided by Isar Aerospace, Photo Wingmen Media, Isar Aerospace test rocket \"Spectrum\" explodes and falls back down into the water after a launch at Andoya Spaceport in Nordmela, on And\u00f8ya Island, Norway, Sunday, March 30, 2025. '><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Spectrum&#8217;s first test launch was a partial success, in that it lifted off successfully, but it soon exploded<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Wingmen Media\/Isar Aerospace\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>German startup Isar Aerospace will try its delayed second test flight on Thursday, after delays to earlier dates.<\/p>\n<p>The Munich-based company said the new launch window from the Andoya Spaceport in northern Norway opens at 2000 GMT\/UTC, and that the attempt would be broadcast live on YouTube.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Spectrum rocket is meant as a means to deliver small satellites into low-earth orbit, a critical capability in the modern age where Europe currently relies on US companies like Elon Musk&#8217;s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos&#8217; Blue Origin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-space-rocket-explodes-seconds-into-test-flight\/a-72089570\">Spectrum completed its first test flight in March 2025<\/a>. The company hailed the launch as a success, even though the rocket then exploded around 30 seconds after liftoff, saying it had been able to collect valuable data.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In January, the company had to call off its second launch because of a valve malfunction.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The latest attempt, in late March, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-approves-fuel-station-price-brake-amid-iran-war-and-rising-oil-costs\/live-76539515\">had to be aborted becuase a local fisherman&#8217;s trawler was in the exclusion zone near the launch site<\/a>and could not leave before the launch window closed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Europe is currently lagging behind the US, China, Russia and India in the space sector. In a sign of the strategic importance of the project, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-merz-visits-spaceport-and-nato-drill-in-norway\/live-76346652\">German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr-Store visited the spaceport to inspect the project during Merz&#8217;s visit to Norway in March<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 German-made test rocket crashes after takeoff\" class=\"headline\">German-made test rocket crashes after takeoff<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-72091595\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"72091595\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/72090036_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:13\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20250330_spectrum23g_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>German startup Isar Aerospace will try its delayed second test flight on Thursday, after delays to earlier dates.<\/p>\n<p>The Munich-based company said the new launch window from the Andoya Spaceport in northern Norway opens at 2000 GMT\/UTC, and that the attempt would be broadcast live on YouTube.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Spectrum rocket is meant as a means to deliver small satellites into low-earth orbit, a critical capability in the modern age where Europe currently relies on US companies like Elon Musk&#8217;s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos&#8217; Blue Origin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-space-rocket-explodes-seconds-into-test-flight\/a-72089570\">Spectrum completed its first test flight in March 2025<\/a>. The company hailed the launch as a success, even though the rocket then exploded around 30 seconds after liftoff, saying it had been able to collect valuable data.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In January, the company had to call off its second launch because of a valve malfunction.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The latest attempt, in late March, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-bundestag-approves-fuel-station-price-brake-amid-iran-war-and-rising-oil-costs\/live-76539515\">had to be aborted becuase a local fisherman&#8217;s trawler was in the exclusion zone near the launch site<\/a>and could not leave before the launch window closed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Europe is currently lagging behind the US, China, Russia and India in the space sector. In a sign of the strategic importance of the project, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-merz-visits-spaceport-and-nato-drill-in-norway\/live-76346652\">German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr-Store visited the spaceport to inspect the project during Merz&#8217;s visit to Norway in March<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz must remain toll free in accordance with international law, a\u00a0German government spokesperson said\u00a0on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Leading up to yesterday&#8217;s ceasefire, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-us-war-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-oil\/a-76503935\">multiple reports have indicated<\/a> Iran planned to charge tankers the equivalent of\u00a0$2 million\u00a0for transiting the Strait, with payments to be made in Chinese yuan. bypassing the US petrodollar.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A spokesman for the Foreign Office in Berlin noted on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz is not only part of Iran&#8217;s waters, but subject to UN\u00a0maritime treaties.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And that is why it is essential that, when operations resume, free, safe and toll-free maritime traffic is guaranteed,&#8221;\u00a0he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That is the German position, which is derived from the applicable international law.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Opening the strait was a key part of the ceasefire agreement, but fuel prices are likely to remain high at least in the short term.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We need to be realistic in several respects,&#8221; said German deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille. &#8220;Reopening the Strait of Hormuz will take time and will not immediately restore the situation to what it was in February.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Despite the agreement, vessels in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday\u00a0reported continued threats from the Iranian military.<\/p>\n<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said shipping in the area would go ahead only in coordination with Iran&#8217;s armed forces, &#8220;and with due consideration of technical limitations,&#8221; according to a post by Iran&#8217;s national broadcaster IRIB on X.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Shipping in limbo as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens\" class=\"headline\">Shipping in limbo as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76292700\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76292700\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76303314_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:45\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2026\/BUSI\/BUSIENG260311_QWIHapagLlyod_CMS_01SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz must remain toll free in accordance with international law, a\u00a0German government spokesperson said\u00a0on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Leading up to yesterday&#8217;s ceasefire, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-us-war-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-oil\/a-76503935\">multiple reports have indicated<\/a> Iran planned to charge tankers the equivalent of\u00a0$2 million\u00a0for transiting the Strait, with payments to be made in Chinese yuan. bypassing the US petrodollar.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A spokesman for the Foreign Office in Berlin noted on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz is not only part of Iran&#8217;s waters, but subject to UN\u00a0maritime treaties.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And that is why it is essential that, when operations resume, free, safe and toll-free maritime traffic is guaranteed,&#8221;\u00a0he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That is the German position, which is derived from the applicable international law.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Opening the strait was a key part of the ceasefire agreement, but fuel prices are likely to remain high at least in the short term.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We need to be realistic in several respects,&#8221; said German deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille. &#8220;Reopening the Strait of Hormuz will take time and will not immediately restore the situation to what it was in February.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Despite the agreement, vessels in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday\u00a0reported continued threats from the Iranian military.<\/p>\n<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said shipping in the area would go ahead only in coordination with Iran&#8217;s armed forces, &#8220;and with due consideration of technical limitations,&#8221; according to a post by Iran&#8217;s national broadcaster IRIB on X.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>What does the German government think about the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-says-lebanon-not-part-of-ceasefire-deal-iran-says-it-is\/live-76700191\">US-Iran ceasefire agreement<\/a>? What does Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> think? Media representatives in the German capital, Berlin, wanted to get answers to these questions on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the fear of another massive escalation in the Middle East, which had been palpable in political circles in Berlin just a few hours earlier, the official reactions were almost void of any emotion.<\/p>\n<p>Just before 8:00 a.m., the Federal Press Office had sent out a short statement from the chancellor reading, among other things: &#8220;The goal now must be to negotiate a lasting end to the war in the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic channels.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>That was also the message given in the Federal Press Conference a few hours later: Deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille tried to disclose as little as possible.<\/p>\n<p>There were no details on what it actually means when Germany offers to &#8220;contribute in an appropriate manner to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>There was also no comment on the rumor that the German Navy could send mine-clearing vessels into the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<h3>Merz in contact with all parties involved<\/h3>\n<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly announced that 15 states will gather to actively work towards keeping the faint hope for peace alive. Is Germany among them? &#8220;Intensive discussions are underway,&#8221; government spokesperson Hille said.<\/p>\n<p>But surely Germany must say something about the fact that just a few hours ago, US President Donald Trump <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-trump-amps-up-threats-ahead-of-hormuz-deadline\/live-76683315\">openly threatened Iran with the annihilation<\/a> of an entire civilization? Wasn&#8217;t that a blatant announcement of war crimes? &#8220;I&#8217;m not going to offer any textual analysis of past events,&#8221; government spokesman Hille stated tersely.<\/p>\n<p>And so, the German government&#8217;s only message was that Germany had by no means remained passive on the sidelines during the recent developments in the Gulf. Hille and the spokesman for the Foreign Office, Martin Giese, explained that Chancellor Merz had been in constant contact with all &#8220;relevant parties&#8221; over the Easter weekend, and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had spoken by telephone with his Israeli counterpart.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Shock over gas prices\" class=\"headline\">Shock over gas prices<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76560113\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76560113\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76588684_605.webp\" data-duration=\"03:36\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2026\/BUSI\/BUSIENG260330_CMS_QWI_GASPREISSCHOCK_01SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>What does the German government think about the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-says-lebanon-not-part-of-ceasefire-deal-iran-says-it-is\/live-76700191\">US-Iran ceasefire agreement<\/a>? What does Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> think? Media representatives in the German capital, Berlin, wanted to get answers to these questions on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the fear of another massive escalation in the Middle East, which had been palpable in political circles in Berlin just a few hours earlier, the official reactions were almost void of any emotion.<\/p>\n<p>Just before 8:00 a.m., the Federal Press Office had sent out a short statement from the chancellor reading, among other things: &#8220;The goal now must be to negotiate a lasting end to the war in the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic channels.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>That was also the message given in the Federal Press Conference a few hours later: Deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille tried to disclose as little as possible.<\/p>\n<p>There were no details on what it actually means when Germany offers to &#8220;contribute in an appropriate manner to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>There was also no comment on the rumor that the German Navy could send mine-clearing vessels into the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly announced that 15 states will gather to actively work towards keeping the faint hope for peace alive. Is Germany among them? &#8220;Intensive discussions are underway,&#8221; government spokesperson Hille said.<\/p>\n<p>But surely Germany must say something about the fact that just a few hours ago, US President Donald Trump <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-trump-amps-up-threats-ahead-of-hormuz-deadline\/live-76683315\">openly threatened Iran with the annihilation<\/a> of an entire civilization? Wasn&#8217;t that a blatant announcement of war crimes? &#8220;I&#8217;m not going to offer any textual analysis of past events,&#8221; government spokesman Hille stated tersely.<\/p>\n<p>And so, the German government&#8217;s only message was that Germany had by no means remained passive on the sidelines during the recent developments in the Gulf. Hille and the spokesman for the Foreign Office, Martin Giese, explained that Chancellor Merz had been in constant contact with all &#8220;relevant parties&#8221; over the Easter weekend, and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had spoken by telephone with his Israeli counterpart.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Germany&#8217;s anti-discrimination commissioner has called for greater recognition of the\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/george-soros-receives-prize-for-work-on-roma-sinti-rights\/a-74473518\">Sinti and Roma<\/a>\u00a0minorities on World Roma Day.<\/p>\n<p>Michael Brand said the minority is a valuable part of society whose voices and contributions must become more visible.<\/p>\n<p>He said Sinti and Roma shape the country culturally, socially, and politically, describing their role as indispensable.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, Brand warned that anti-Roma <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/racism-in-germany-widespread-but-more-subtle-than-before\/a-76461895\">discrimination remains a serious issue<\/a> in Germany. Many people still face exclusion and prejudice, and some choose not to reveal their identity out of fear of rejection.<\/p>\n<p>He said society must not ignore the problem and should take stronger action against discrimination.<\/p>\n<p>The Central Council of German Sinti and Roma on Tuesday said it sees a growing and violent antagonism against the minorities in Europe.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Anti-democratic parties in Europe are once again exploiting the public&#8217;s fears for the future and stoking hatred against Sinti and Roma in their election campaigns,&#8221; the council said. In Germany alone, attacks on the groups\u00a0have increased by 40%\u00a0since 2023.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Unseen heroes \u2014 Sinti and Roma resist Nazis\" class=\"headline\">Unseen heroes \u2014 Sinti and Roma resist Nazis<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-70641634\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"70641634\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/70641150_605.webp\" data-duration=\"26:04\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/a21\/a21241102_gesamt_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Germany&#8217;s anti-discrimination commissioner has called for greater recognition of the\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/george-soros-receives-prize-for-work-on-roma-sinti-rights\/a-74473518\">Sinti and Roma<\/a>\u00a0minorities on World Roma Day.<\/p>\n<p>Michael Brand said the minority is a valuable part of society whose voices and contributions must become more visible.<\/p>\n<p>He said Sinti and Roma shape the country culturally, socially, and politically, describing their role as indispensable.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, Brand warned that anti-Roma <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/racism-in-germany-widespread-but-more-subtle-than-before\/a-76461895\">discrimination remains a serious issue<\/a> in Germany. Many people still face exclusion and prejudice, and some choose not to reveal their identity out of fear of rejection.<\/p>\n<p>He said society must not ignore the problem and should take stronger action against discrimination.<\/p>\n<p>The Central Council of German Sinti and Roma on Tuesday said it sees a growing and violent antagonism against the minorities in Europe.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Anti-democratic parties in Europe are once again exploiting the public&#8217;s fears for the future and stoking hatred against Sinti and Roma in their election campaigns,&#8221; the council said. In Germany alone, attacks on the groups\u00a0have increased by 40%\u00a0since 2023.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76698035\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76698035_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Experts approach the stranded whale off Wismar\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The whale has remained in the same place off the island of Poel for the past week and is increasingly unresponsive<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Philip Dulian\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-hope-fades-for-stranded-humpback-whales-survival\/a-76629035\">humpback whale<\/a> that has been stranded and ill in the Baltic Sea off the port city of Wismar for more than a week is still alive.<\/p>\n<p>The situation remains unchanged, a spokesperson for the water police confirmed on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The whale has several health issues that are affecting it and will ultimately lead to its death,&#8221; Bianca K\u00f6nig of\u00a0Whale and Dolphin Conservation Germany told the DPA news agency.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The whale has several health issues that are affecting it and will ultimately lead to its death.&#8221; It could happen this evening, but it could also take three days. The whale not breathing for\u00a0an hour would be taken as a sign that it is dead.<\/p>\n<p>The main problem is the animal&#8217;s weight and the shallow water: &#8220;Whales need the weightlessness of the water; the weight will continue to press on its organs, leading to organ failure and circulatory collapse,&#8221; said K\u00f6nig. &#8220;It depends on how much buoyancy it has in the water and its overall condition.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The option of euthanasia is off the table because too little is known about its practical application with such large mammals.<\/p>\n<p>A day earlier, experts, together with Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania&#8217;s Environment Minister Till Backhaus, presented the latest findings on the whale&#8217;s condition. The animal will neither be rescued alive nor will it be able to swim free on its own.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-hope-fades-for-stranded-humpback-whales-survival\/a-76629035\">humpback whale<\/a> that has been stranded and ill in the Baltic Sea off the port city of Wismar for more than a week is still alive.<\/p>\n<p>The situation remains unchanged, a spokesperson for the water police confirmed on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The whale has several health issues that are affecting it and will ultimately lead to its death,&#8221; Bianca K\u00f6nig of\u00a0Whale and Dolphin Conservation Germany told the DPA news agency.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The whale has several health issues that are affecting it and will ultimately lead to its death.&#8221; It could happen this evening, but it could also take three days. The whale not breathing for\u00a0an hour would be taken as a sign that it is dead.<\/p>\n<p>The main problem is the animal&#8217;s weight and the shallow water: &#8220;Whales need the weightlessness of the water; the weight will continue to press on its organs, leading to organ failure and circulatory collapse,&#8221; said K\u00f6nig. &#8220;It depends on how much buoyancy it has in the water and its overall condition.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The option of euthanasia is off the table because too little is known about its practical application with such large mammals.<\/p>\n<p>A day earlier, experts, together with Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania&#8217;s Environment Minister Till Backhaus, presented the latest findings on the whale&#8217;s condition. The animal will neither be rescued alive nor will it be able to swim free on its own.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76705516\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76705516_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A crowd of travelers in Stuttgart's main train station stood near the train departures boards at the platform entries. April 3, 2026. \"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Six out of 10 of Deutsche Bahn&#8217;s long-distance trains were on time in March, for just the second month in the last 10<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Arnulf Hettrich\/imageBROKER\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>German national\u00a0rail operator <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/deutsche-bahn\/t-19021273\">Deutsche Bahn (DB)<\/a> has reported a slight boost to the punctuality of its long-distance express trains in March.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>DB&#8217;s provisional monthly figures put the punctuality of IC (Inter-City)\u00a0and ICE (Inter-City Express) trains at 62.1%, compared to 59.4% in February and 52.1% in January. The rail operator said this modest improvement came despite more maintenance and repair works around the rail network.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The frost- and snow-laden start to the year delayed numerous work sites,&#8221; Bahn said. &#8220;In the milder March temperatures, our construction teams caught up on lots of jobs and, in parallel, made a start on planned assignments. As a result, March&#8217;s construction activity was well above February&#8217;s.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To be classified as late, a long-distance train has to be more than 6 minutes later than scheduled.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>DB&#8217;s long-distance passenger punctuality rate, in other words, the share of passengers reaching their destination on time rather than the share of locomotives, was slightly higher, at 68.1%, indicating somewhat better performance on the busier routes and services.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/why-german-trains-are-rarely-on-time\/a-75206414\">The monthly tracking of DB&#8217;s punctuality drew headlines during the last year in particular<\/a>, with 60% becoming a fairly unimpressive badge of honor for the rail operator. Since June of last year, long distance trains have only maintained a punctuality rate above 60% twice, last December and now this March. October 2025 (51.5%) was the low point.<\/p>\n<p>Short-distance, regional trains meanwhile have a much more stable punctuality rate, this figure\u00a0rose marginally in March to 88.8% from 88.1% the previous month.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Germany: Front-line workers face growing abuse, violence\" class=\"headline\">Germany: Front-line workers face growing abuse, violence<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76616754\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76616754\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76617367_605.webp\" data-duration=\"12:20\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260401_FocusViolenceOnDuty_YT_ENG_07SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>German national\u00a0rail operator <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/deutsche-bahn\/t-19021273\">Deutsche Bahn (DB)<\/a> has reported a slight boost to the punctuality of its long-distance express trains in March.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>DB&#8217;s provisional monthly figures put the punctuality of IC (Inter-City)\u00a0and ICE (Inter-City Express) trains at 62.1%, compared to 59.4% in February and 52.1% in January. The rail operator said this modest improvement came despite more maintenance and repair works around the rail network.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The frost- and snow-laden start to the year delayed numerous work sites,&#8221; Bahn said. &#8220;In the milder March temperatures, our construction teams caught up on lots of jobs and, in parallel, made a start on planned assignments. As a result, March&#8217;s construction activity was well above February&#8217;s.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To be classified as late, a long-distance train has to be more than 6 minutes later than scheduled.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>DB&#8217;s long-distance passenger punctuality rate, in other words, the share of passengers reaching their destination on time rather than the share of locomotives, was slightly higher, at 68.1%, indicating somewhat better performance on the busier routes and services.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/why-german-trains-are-rarely-on-time\/a-75206414\">The monthly tracking of DB&#8217;s punctuality drew headlines during the last year in particular<\/a>, with 60% becoming a fairly unimpressive badge of honor for the rail operator. Since June of last year, long distance trains have only maintained a punctuality rate above 60% twice, last December and now this March. October 2025 (51.5%) was the low point.<\/p>\n<p>Short-distance, regional trains meanwhile have a much more stable punctuality rate, this figure\u00a0rose marginally in March to 88.8% from 88.1% the previous month.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76704534\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76704534_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Preparations head of the defusing of the bomb on a stretch of the Mosel River\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The dredging ship carrying the device was moved to be defused<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Sascha Ditscher\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A World War II bomb found in the Rhine has been defused in the western city of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-meteorite-punches-through-a-house-in-koblenz\/a-76275189\">Koblenz<\/a> after a large-scale evacuation.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities said the 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) unexploded bomb was discovered during bridge construction work on a dredging vessel and was safely defused on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Around 1,100 people were affected by evacuation measures as bomb disposal experts secured the site. The vessel carrying the device had been moved to part of the Mosel River\u00a0on the city\u2019s southwestern edge, where specialists carried out the operation.<\/p>\n<p>Officials said relocating the bomb further was considered too dangerous. A one-kilometer evacuation zone covered parts of the Lay district, as well as a campsite, a railway line, and several federal roads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A World War II bomb found in the Rhine has been defused in the western city of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-meteorite-punches-through-a-house-in-koblenz\/a-76275189\">Koblenz<\/a> after a large-scale evacuation.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities said the 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) unexploded bomb was discovered during bridge construction work on a dredging vessel and was safely defused on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Around 1,100 people were affected by evacuation measures as bomb disposal experts secured the site. The vessel carrying the device had been moved to part of the Mosel River\u00a0on the city\u2019s southwestern edge, where specialists carried out the operation.<\/p>\n<p>Officials said relocating the bomb further was considered too dangerous. A one-kilometer evacuation zone covered parts of the Lay district, as well as a campsite, a railway line, and several federal roads.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The German motoring organization ADAC has accused authorities of inaction as <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-considers-windfall-tax-amid-rising-fuel-prices\/a-76437425\">fuel prices continue to climb<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ADAC transport chief Karsten Schulze said it was incomprehensible that the Federal Cartel Office was not using its expanded powers and remained in an observer role.<\/p>\n<p>The criticism comes after <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-new-fuel-price-law-prompts-huge-midday-spike\/live-76616425\">Germany introduced a rule allowing fuel stations to raise prices<\/a> only once per day at noon \u2014 the so-called &#8220;Austrian model.&#8221;\u00a0Despite this, diesel prices have continued to rise, hitting new daily average records in recent days.<\/p>\n<p>A cartel office spokesperson said a dedicated team is monitoring the market with high priority, stressing that rising prices alone do not constitute a violation. Authorities are assessing whether price movements reflect oil market trends or potential competition issues.<\/p>\n<p>ADAC, Europe&#8217;s largest automobile association, says companies are pricing fuel beyond what crude oil costs would justify.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The mobility club&#8217;s fears have been confirmed: that oil companies are reacting to the lack of flexibility in price adjustments with significant risk premiums,&#8221; ADAC said. &#8220;Without strong intervention by the Federal Cartel Office and the state authorities,&#8221; the Austrian model will therefore remain &#8220;toothless,&#8221; the club added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 How Germans feel about daily fuel price freeze\" class=\"headline\">How Germans feel about daily fuel price freeze<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76631423\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76631423\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76631318_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:20\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260401_QENERGY19C_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The German motoring organization ADAC has accused authorities of inaction as <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-considers-windfall-tax-amid-rising-fuel-prices\/a-76437425\">fuel prices continue to climb<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ADAC transport chief Karsten Schulze said it was incomprehensible that the Federal Cartel Office was not using its expanded powers and remained in an observer role.<\/p>\n<p>The criticism comes after <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-new-fuel-price-law-prompts-huge-midday-spike\/live-76616425\">Germany introduced a rule allowing fuel stations to raise prices<\/a> only once per day at noon \u2014 the so-called &#8220;Austrian model.&#8221;\u00a0Despite this, diesel prices have continued to rise, hitting new daily average records in recent days.<\/p>\n<p>A cartel office spokesperson said a dedicated team is monitoring the market with high priority, stressing that rising prices alone do not constitute a violation. Authorities are assessing whether price movements reflect oil market trends or potential competition issues.<\/p>\n<p>ADAC, Europe&#8217;s largest automobile association, says companies are pricing fuel beyond what crude oil costs would justify.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The mobility club&#8217;s fears have been confirmed: that oil companies are reacting to the lack of flexibility in price adjustments with significant risk premiums,&#8221; ADAC said. &#8220;Without strong intervention by the Federal Cartel Office and the state authorities,&#8221; the Austrian model will therefore remain &#8220;toothless,&#8221; the club added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/dax-and-other-stock-markets\/t-19102522\">Germany&#8217;s benchmark DAX<\/a>\u00a0stock market index has jumped sharply after a ceasefire agreement in the Iran war.<\/p>\n<p>The index rose nearly 5% at the open to just above 24,100 points before easing slightly, while other European markets also posted strong gains.<\/p>\n<p>France&#8217;s CAC 40 climbed 3.68%, Italy&#8217;s main index in Milan gained 3.93%, and London stocks rose 2.51%.<\/p>\n<p>Oil prices have since fallen sharply following the ceasefire announcement, after previously surging on supply concerns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/dax-and-other-stock-markets\/t-19102522\">Germany&#8217;s benchmark DAX<\/a>\u00a0stock market index has jumped sharply after a ceasefire agreement in the Iran war.<\/p>\n<p>The index rose nearly 5% at the open to just above 24,100 points before easing slightly, while other European markets also posted strong gains.<\/p>\n<p>France&#8217;s CAC 40 climbed 3.68%, Italy&#8217;s main index in Milan gained 3.93%, and London stocks rose 2.51%.<\/p>\n<p>Oil prices have since fallen sharply following the ceasefire announcement, after previously surging on supply concerns.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> has welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran and the reopening of the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-us-war-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-oil\/a-76503935\">Strait of Hormuz<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The goal must now be to negotiate a permanent end to the war in the coming days,&#8221;\u00a0said Merz, who thanked\u00a0Pakistan for mediating the agreement. &#8220;This can only be achieved through diplomatic channels.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Such negotiations serve to protect the Iranian civilian population and ensure security in the region; they can avert a severe global energy crisis,&#8221;\u00a0the chancellor said.<\/p>\n<p>Merz said Germany supports the diplomatic efforts and was in close contact with the US and other partners.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Germany will contribute in an appropriate manner to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,&#8221;\u00a0he added.<\/p>\n<p>Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also welcomed the news, adding that\u00a0&#8220;the consequences of the war continuing would be incalculable.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>German Chancellor <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> has welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran and the reopening of the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-us-war-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-oil\/a-76503935\">Strait of Hormuz<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The goal must now be to negotiate a permanent end to the war in the coming days,&#8221;\u00a0said Merz, who thanked\u00a0Pakistan for mediating the agreement. &#8220;This can only be achieved through diplomatic channels.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Such negotiations serve to protect the Iranian civilian population and ensure security in the region; they can avert a severe global energy crisis,&#8221;\u00a0the chancellor said.<\/p>\n<p>Merz said Germany supports the diplomatic efforts and was in close contact with the US and other partners.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Germany will contribute in an appropriate manner to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,&#8221;\u00a0he added.<\/p>\n<p>Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also welcomed the news, adding that\u00a0&#8220;the consequences of the war continuing would be incalculable.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76700134\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76700134_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Santiago Bernabeu, Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (right, Bayern Munich) heads the ball next to Vinicius Junior (left, Real Madrid), Dayot Upamecano (second from left, Bayern Munich) and Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich).\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Veteran Neuer was described as the &#8216;X-factor&#8217; in Bayern&#8217;s performance at the Bernabeu<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Peter Kneffel\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One player has been singled out for particular praise after Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 away win at Real Madrid on Tuesday night, ending a long winless run at the Bernabeu and taking control of their Champions League quarter-final tie.<\/p>\n<p>Club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen praised <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/manuel-neuer-still-germanys-best-goalkeeper\/a-69331083\">goalkeeper Manuel Neuer<\/a> after the match, calling him the team&#8217;s &#8220;X-factor&#8221;\u00a0and highlighting his standout performance.<\/p>\n<p>The 40-year-old\u00a0delivered a series of key saves as Bayern claimed their first victory at the stadium in 25 years. Goals from Luis Diaz and Harry Kane put the visitors ahead before Kylian Mbappe\u00a0pulled one back for Madrid.<\/p>\n<p>After the match, Neuer said the team is enjoying its football and believes &#8220;everything is possible,&#8221; while coach Vincent Kompany said the win should strengthen belief ahead of the return leg.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the advantage, Bayern stressed the job is not done. Neuer called the first leg only a &#8220;first step,&#8221; warning there is still &#8220;hard work&#8221; to come in Munich.<\/p>\n<p>Neuer finished with nine saves, frustrating attackers including Mbapp\u00e9 and Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior, and said simply that stopping such chances is &#8220;what I\u2019m there for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>One player has been singled out for particular praise after Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 away win at Real Madrid on Tuesday night, ending a long winless run at the Bernabeu and taking control of their Champions League quarter-final tie.<\/p>\n<p>Club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen praised <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/manuel-neuer-still-germanys-best-goalkeeper\/a-69331083\">goalkeeper Manuel Neuer<\/a> after the match, calling him the team&#8217;s &#8220;X-factor&#8221;\u00a0and highlighting his standout performance.<\/p>\n<p>The 40-year-old\u00a0delivered a series of key saves as Bayern claimed their first victory at the stadium in 25 years. Goals from Luis Diaz and Harry Kane put the visitors ahead before Kylian Mbappe\u00a0pulled one back for Madrid.<\/p>\n<p>After the match, Neuer said the team is enjoying its football and believes &#8220;everything is possible,&#8221; while coach Vincent Kompany said the win should strengthen belief ahead of the return leg.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the advantage, Bayern stressed the job is not done. Neuer called the first leg only a &#8220;first step,&#8221; warning there is still &#8220;hard work&#8221; to come in Munich.<\/p>\n<p>Neuer finished with nine saves, frustrating attackers including Mbapp\u00e9 and Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior, and said simply that stopping such chances is &#8220;what I\u2019m there for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-lufthansa-cabin-crew-to-strike-on-friday-ufo-trade-union-says\/live-76701957&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/75923878_6.jpg&#8221;] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BpgL Strikes impacted Lufthansa&#8217;s flights as recently as February this yearImage: Hannes P. Albert\/dpa\/picture alliance Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know The UFO union calls on members at Lufthansa and Cityline to strike for one day on Friday of this week Part of\u00a0Germany\u2019s new military [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-1872819","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1872819","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1872819"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1872819\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1872819"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1872819"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1872819"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}