Germany’s caretaker government, led by Olaf Scholz, has reportedly blocked the potential export of Eurofighter jets to Turkey, citing the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu as an attack on Turkish democracy. The move underscores rising tensions and Germany’s key role in defense exports within the Eurofighter consortium.
Tag: Germany
Germany’s top administrative court has ruled that deporting two asylum seekers back to Greece does not violate human rights, despite concerns over poor living conditions for refugees there. The court found that young, able-bodied men are unlikely to face extreme hardship, prompting criticism from refugee advocates who warn of homelessness and lack of support in Greece.
International flights to Greece are expected to see a 4.6% increase in seat capacity for summer 2025, reaching 28.2 million seats, driven by strong demand from traditional European markets like the UK, Germany, and Italy, as well as emerging growth from Israel, the US, and smaller markets such as Georgia and Armenia, according to INSETE.
Greece is set to shine in 2025, ranking among the world’s top five travel destinations. With an 8% surge in summer bookings led by the UK and Germany, islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Zakynthos are seeing double-digit gains, while Santorini fights to rebound from early setbacks. Unveiled at ITB Berlin 2025, the data confirms Greece’s enduring appeal, securing its spot behind only Spain in TUI’s global rankings.
The UK has issued a travel warning as Spain, Greece, France, and other EU nations prepare to launch the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025, following a revised timeline set by EU Home Affairs Ministers on March 5, 2025. British travelers will face biometric registration—fingerprints and facial scans—potentially causing delays at borders. With a six-month phased rollout and ETIAS to follow in late 2026, UK holidaymakers are urged to plan for new procedures and longer wait times.
The Pentagon denies F-35 ‘kill switch’ rumors as allies like Canada and Portugal question U.S. reliability. Greece bucks the trend, buying 20 F-35s and 24 Rafales amid a $25B arms plan.
Türkiye is negotiating to acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets and 400 Meteor air-to-air missiles in a potential €8 billion deal, with the U.K. leading the offer and Germany’s objections fading. Focus has shifted to the missile package, despite France’s limited influence to block the sale.
The UK has submitted a BAE Systems proposal to Turkey for 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, following Germany’s lifted objection to the sale. The Turkish Defense Ministry is reviewing the deal, estimated at 5 billion euros, which includes advanced Tranche 4 jets and Meteor missiles to enhance Turkey’s air force capabilities.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) reported a surge in VAT fraud investigations across the EU, with over 2,600 active cases by the end of 2024—a 38% increase from the previous year. Estimated damages reached €24.8 billion, with over €13.15 billion linked to cross-border schemes. Greece ranked fifth among 22 EU countries, with 15 active investigations, while Germany and Italy topped the list. A major crackdown, Operation “Moby Dick,” uncovered extensive fraud networks in Italy, leading to seizures of luxury assets and bank accounts. Fraud linked to EU recovery funds also remains a growing concern.
A 24-hour strike at Germany’s major airports on Monday, March 10, has led to the cancellation of over 3,400 flights, affecting more than half a million passengers. The strike, organized by the Ver.di union, involves public sector and ground handling workers demanding wage increases. Key airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin, are paralyzed, with Berlin Airport shutting down completely. The disruption follows a surprise strike at Hamburg Airport, impacting 40,000 passengers ahead of nationwide protests for better pay.
A Pakistani journalist based in Greece has brought the issue of the return of thousands of foreign Muslims from Germany, promoted by the German government, back into the public eye. Despite government denials, which convince no one that the program is on a “voluntary” basis, all signs indicate that it is in full swing.
Police in Mannheim have launched a major operation after a car reportedly plowed into a crowd near the central Paradeplatz. Authorities described the situation as “life-threatening” and urged residents to avoid the area. Local media report at least one fatality, though officials have yet to confirm. The incident comes just weeks after a similar car ramming in Munich.
Germany has launched a new program to repatriate refugees back to Greece, focusing on those aged 19 to 49 who have secured protection status within the last two years. The initiative, overseen by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), will initially offer voluntary participation, with plans for mandatory returns in the future. Returning individuals will receive support from Greek authorities and have opportunities for language acquisition and workforce integration.
Gunfire erupted today outside a courtroom in Bielefeld during the trial of Hüseyin Akkurt, accused of murdering pro boxer Basar Nimani. Several individuals, including Nimani’s family members, were shot, with one victim critically injured. Police have arrested one suspect, while another remains at large. Investigators are probing a possible connection between the shooting and the ongoing trial, raising concerns about courtroom security in high-profile cases.
Days before Germany’s election, the EU threatens X with hefty fines and a potential ban for alleged election interference, raising concerns about censorship amidst the AfD’s rise in polls.
Greece recorded the highest rates of first-time asylum applications in Europe at 79.5% according to…
Germany launched a program in January 2025 to return refugees to Greece, initially on a voluntary basis but eventually including mandatory returns. The initiative, developed by BAMF, targets those granted protection in Greece in the past two years and will be supported by EU and Greek government funds.
Greece and Cyprus have aligned with 77 other nations in denouncing US President Donald Trump’s sanctions on the International Criminal Court. In a joint statement, these countries reiterated their unwavering support for the ICC’s independence and its crucial role in upholding accountability for severe international crimes. The global response highlights differing international perspectives, as some countries like Hungary expressed support for the US move.
Germany is planning a pilot program to return refugees to Greece, focusing on individuals who initially entered the EU through Greece and then moved to Germany. The initiative seeks to manage migration flows within the EU, but Greek authorities have raised concerns about capacity and the need for adequate support. This development highlights ongoing discussions on equitable burden-sharing among EU member states.
Planning a European adventure in 2025? Make your journey hassle-free by applying for a Schengen visa in the right country. Italy, Germany, Austria, Iceland, Greece, Switzerland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Slovakia offer efficient visa approvals, simplifying travel plans. With Bulgaria and Romania joining the Schengen Area in 2025, exploring Europe has never been more convenient. Whether you’re drawn to Italy’s historic sites or Switzerland’s stunning landscapes, start your European trip on the right foot with these visa-friendly destinations.