The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won its second regional election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, receiving 38% of the vote, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) garnered only 4.9%. Merz acknowledged the results as a disaster but vowed to continue his leadership and reform agenda amidst criticism of the AfD's policies.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to keep his ruling coalition intact following significant electoral defeats for his party, the CDU, in two state elections. The CDU failed to secure representation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and placed second in Berlin, where the far-right AfD made notable gains. Merz acknowledged the election results as a disaster for the CDU and noted the broader transformation of Germany's political landscape.
Granit Xhaka, the captain of Switzerland's national football team, will miss the upcoming international camp after admitting to using a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The Swiss Football Association will review the situation after the international window. Xhaka has expressed regret for his actions and is cooperating with authorities.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump amid ongoing trade tensions. The discussions are expected to address various issues, including artificial intelligence regulations and trade policies. European leaders express concerns about the impact of US-China rivalry on their economies and emphasize the need for collaboration among middle powers.
Google has been fined €403 million by the Irish Data Protection Commission for violations related to the handling of location data. The inquiry found that Google's practices were not lawful, fair, or transparent under the General Data Protection Regulation. In addition to the fine, Google has been ordered to comply with data processing regulations within six months.
A British diver was found dead in a cave network in southwestern France after going missing for two days. The 43-year-old diver was located at a depth of approximately 270 feet following a search that began after he failed to return from a dive. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
An 82-year-old man died after a dispute over sunbeds on a beach in Vouliagmeni, Greece, leading to a physical altercation with a 76-year-old man. The 76-year-old has been arrested for causing fatal bodily harm, while his 21-year-old companion was arrested for complicity in the incident. The confrontation reflects ongoing tensions among tourists regarding sunbed reservations.
European intelligence officials are warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin may consider an unprovoked attack on a NATO country within months. Michal Koudelka, head of the Czech Republic’s BIS security service, outlined various potential aggressive actions, while other officials noted the importance of vigilance against possible threats from Russia. NATO's Article 5 could lead to significant global repercussions if an attack occurs.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna discussed the current security situation in Narva, Estonia, and the broader implications of Russian military actions. He emphasized the importance of strength in negotiations with Russia and warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine would pose a greater threat to Europe. Estonia plans to significantly increase its defense spending and continues to support Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO and the EU.
The trial of former Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer for perjury related to a failed car toll scheme began on September 21, 2026, at the Berlin District Court. Scheuer and co-defendant Gerhard Schulz are accused of lying to a parliamentary committee about the legality of the toll scheme, which was declared illegal by the European Court of Justice in 2019. In other news, German car exports declined by 4% in the first seven months of 2026, while cherry farmers reported a bumper harvest.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recognized the recent state election results as a setback for the political center. He confirmed his commitment to advancing his federal agenda, focusing on tax and welfare reforms.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the negative implications of his party's performance in the state elections held on September 20, 2026. Despite the setback, he confirmed his commitment to advancing his federal agenda focused on tax and welfare reforms.
German car manufacturers are proposing a shift to a 40-hour workweek without additional pay to enhance competitiveness, while unions oppose this move, citing threats to workers' rights. The automotive sector is facing significant challenges, including high costs and competition, leading to job cuts across major companies. Experts suggest that improving labor costs alone will not resolve deeper structural issues within the industry.
Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic depicting a cat named Emerald and a dog named Ocean, believed to be significant to the household. The mosaic, measuring approximately 16.4 by 11.8 feet, features various scenes and was found in a villa in the ancient city of Adramytteion. Excavations are ongoing, with the potential for more discoveries.
The Italian government is planning to ban the wearing of burqas and niqabs in schools. It will also impose restrictions on the number of foreign students permitted in each classroom.
Napster has partnered with Gems Education in Dubai to develop AI agents and digital personas for educational purposes. The initiative aims to enhance the learning experience by creating digital twins of teachers and utilizing AI to support students. This move aligns with the UAE's broader ambitions to integrate AI into various sectors, including education.
The investigation into Chiara Jaconis' death has been reopened following her being struck by a statue thrown from a balcony in Naples, Italy, in September 2024. An Italian court has ordered a ballistics assessment to determine which of two statuettes was involved. Jaconis' mother continues to seek justice, while the 13-year-old boy who allegedly threw the statue cannot be held criminally responsible due to his age.
As the new football season begins, concerns about the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system's expanding role have emerged. Experts highlight that while VAR was intended to assist referees, it has evolved into a dominant force in decision-making, leading to delays and confusion among fans. Discussions about refining VAR or exploring alternative systems, such as challenge cards, are ongoing.
UK Chancellor John Healey is set to meet with EU finance ministers in Dublin to discuss the 'Made in Europe' scheme, which aims to protect EU industries from competition. He will advocate for closer UK-EU partnerships in technology, defense, and manufacturing, while expressing concerns that the scheme could exclude British firms from European supply chains. Healey's discussions also include potential UK membership in a global investment bank focused on defense spending.
The German police's annual report on organized crime indicates a rise in cocaine-related threats and drug-related deaths, with 2,150 fatalities reported last year. The report highlights the increase in money laundering cases and the shift of drug markets to digital platforms, complicating law enforcement efforts.
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