After Washington announced a sanctions pause on Russian diesel, Germany stated it remains committed to pressuring Moscow and supporting Ukraine. Germany's government spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, confirmed that the federal government has taken note of the US decision regarding Russian diesel deliveries but will continue to pursue sanctions against Russia. Kornelius emphasized Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution.
On October 10, Ireland, holding the rotating EU presidency, proposed a budget of €1.826 trillion ($2.046 trillion) for the next seven years, which is a reduction of approximately €159 billion compared to the European Commission's original proposal. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the budget cuts, stating that the new proposal is not a basis for agreement and that the EU budget must be affordable for those who bear the main burden of financing.
Germany, as the largest net contributor to the EU budget, along with other contributors like the Netherlands and Sweden, is advocating for further budget reductions. In contrast, France, the second-largest net contributor, argues for a more generous budget to address new challenges.
In cultural news, the Langenscheidt publishing house announced "ragebait" as Germany's 2026 Youth Word of the Year during the Frankfurt Book Fair. This term refers to social media content designed to provoke anger and increase engagement. The term received 36.5% of the vote in an online poll with 1 million young participants.
Germany has not imported any oil or oil products from Russia since 2023, following multiple rounds of sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A spokesperson for Economic Affairs Minister Katherina Reiche reiterated that Germany stands fully behind the sanctions packages and has diversified its supply to be independent of Russian oil.
In a notable shift in US policy, President Donald Trump announced a temporary lifting of US sanctions to allow Russia to supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to global markets. This decision comes amid rising diesel prices influenced by geopolitical tensions, including the war in Iran. However, it remains uncertain how much Russian fuel will actually reach global markets due to ongoing domestic shortages and Ukraine's military actions targeting refineries.
The recent appearance of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder at President Vladimir Putin's birthday party has sparked criticism in Germany. Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the Green party, called for a reevaluation of Schröder's membership in the Social Democrats (SPD), citing his ties to Russia as politically unacceptable. Hubertus Heil, a former labor minister, also expressed outrage over Schröder's actions, condemning the celebration with a leader he described as a dictator.
The German government confirmed that European sanctions on Russia will continue despite the US sanctions pause on Russian diesel.