US President Donald Trump wants to end the war in Ukraine quickly, but may have lost negotiating leverage by making early concessions to Russia. Defense Minister Pete Hegseth declared that a return to the Ukrainian borders of 2014 and NATO membership for Ukraine were unrealistic. This was met with criticism, as it is seen as a weakening of the US position. Trump nevertheless reaffirmed his support for Ukraine. At the same time, a raw materials agreement between the USA and Ukraine was discussed, which is intended to promote security and US investment.
Israel has mobilized reservists as the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza threatens to collapse if no further hostages are released by Saturday. US President Trump has threatened military escalation and plans to take over Gaza and relocate the Palestinian population. Hamas is negotiating with Egypt and Qatar, while Israel is reinforcing troops near the border.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to offer concessions on tariffs, new business deals and cooperation against China at his meeting with US President Donald Trump in order to win Trump's favor. The plan is to increase imports of liquefied natural gas and military equipment from the US and reduce tariffs in several sectors. In return, Modi is hoping for support in the case of the accused billionaire Gautam Adani. Migration and China's influence will also be key issues.
The UK economy grew by a surprising 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, while experts had expected a decline. Growth was driven by a 0.4% increase in the service sector. Despite the growth, GDP per capita fell by 0.1%, indicating continued pressure on living standards. For 2024 as a whole, economic growth amounted to 0.9 %. Challenges remain high employment taxes, weak demand in Europe and global trade risks from US tariffs.
A US judge allowed Donald Trump to offer severance packages to 75,000 federal employees in order to reduce the workforce. Trade unions failed with lawsuits against this. Elon Musk is leading the cost-cutting plans.
Syria's new leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa is investigating the business empires of oligarchs close to Assad such as Samer Foz and Mohammad Hamsho in order to combat corruption. Assets have been frozen and talks have been held with the tycoons. While the economy remains heavily dependent on these companies, the strategy of the new government remains unclear.
Germany faces severe labor conflicts in 2025 as companies such as Bosch, Thyssenkrupp, ZF Friedrichshafen and Volkswagen plan wage cuts, plant closures and job relocations abroad. The economic downturn and high costs are forcing companies to take tough measures, calling into question the principle of co-determination. Trade unions are preparing strikes, while the government is facing economic and social tensions.
North Korea is dismantling a facility in the Kumgang Mountains that was used for family reunions between relatives separated after the Korean War. The South Korean Ministry of Unification criticized this as an “anti-humanitarian act”. The building, constructed in 2008 with South Korean funds, was last used for a family reunion in 2018. Tensions between the two Koreas continue to escalate.
North Korea is dismantling a facility in the Kumgang Mountains that was used for reunions between families separated after the Korean War. South Korea criticizes this as an “anti-humanitarian act”. The building, constructed with South Korean funds in 2008, was last used for a family reunion in 2018. The action further exacerbates tensions between the two Koreas.
The Trump administration has sent letters of resignation to US attorneys appointed by President Joe Biden. The letters informed the recipients that their positions were terminated with immediate effect. It is common for US attorneys to resign after a change of administration, but resignation letters are usually solicited rather than sending formal resignation letters.
Many Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines are disappointed with Europe and are pinning their hopes on US President Donald Trump to end the war. After three years of conflict, they are hoping for a break, while they are skeptical about negotiations. They fear that the war could continue without US support and worry about the integration of returnees after the war.
Commerzbank plans to cut around 3,900 jobs by 2028, 3,300 of them in Germany, mainly in Frankfurt. The job cuts are intended to help increase profits in the defensive battle against Italy's UniCredit. The bank is aiming to increase its surplus to 4.2 billion euros by 2028. Despite the job cuts, the bank initially expects profits to fall to 2.4 billion euros by 2025. In order to attract investors, Commerzbank is planning high profit distributions, with a payout of more than 100% of net profit for 2025.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected accusations of racism that emerged after a private party, describing them as “absurd and contrived”. In a conversation at the party, Scholz had referred to the black Berlin CDU Senator for Culture Joe Chialo as a “court jester”, in connection with a discussion about the CDU/CSU and AfD vote in the Bundestag. Scholz explained that the term was not meant to be racist and that he appreciated Chialo as a liberal voice in the CDU/CSU. The SPD has called in a law firm to take action against misquotes. The CDU/CSU is demanding an apology from Scholz.
The proceedings against former Wirecard boss Markus Braun, who has been in custody for four and a half years, have been going on for over two years. The prosecution and the court have now agreed to limit the proceedings to the 10 main points. (NTV)
CATL is planning an IPO in Hong Kong and has expansion plans for Europe, particularly in Spain and explicitly not in Germany. (HB)
- DAX: Ends at new record high (TAG)
- Inflation: Germans estimate it to be much higher than it is (TGS)
- Housing construction: Falls in Europe to lowest level in ten years (HB)
- Commerzbank: Wants to cut 4,000 jobs (NTV)
- Deutsche Börse: Wants to buy back own shares (NTV)
- World US Federal Reserve: Jerome Powell sees no pressure for further interest rate cuts (CNBC)
- Current study: Russia's defense spending exceeds that of all of Europe (MM)
- MSCI: Removes more Chinese stocks from indices - despite recent recovery (BBG)
- OPEC: Assesses US tariff policy as a risk for oil market (WSJ)
- Netherlands: Environmentalists sue BP in highest court (TGS)
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