While the Bundeswehr takes up a position on NATO's eastern flank and looks critically towards Russia, Bielefeld's footballers want to achieve something historic - the East Westphalians can already feel like winners.
With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Friday.
This is what happened: Chancellor Friedrich Merz (69, CDU) and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (65, SPD) gave the starting signal for the permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania on Thursday.
That's why it's important: Experts warn of a possible Russian attack on NATO territory in the coming years, with the Baltic states in particular considered a potential target. By stationing troops, Germany is sending a clear signal to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin (72): NATO stands united.
This is how it continues: The brigade is to gradually grow to 5,000 soldiers by 2027.
This is what happened: Following the fatal shooting of two employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, the alleged perpetrator, Elias R. (31) , has been charged with murder . The FBI is investigating the case as a hate crime and a possible act of terrorism. This is why it's important: The massacre threatens to further poison the domestic political climate in the United States. Following the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, anti-Semitic attacks have increased sharply in America, alongside pro-Palestinian protests.
This is how it continues: Observers fear that the government of US President Donald Trump (78) will now take even more rigid action against peaceful pro-Palestinian activists and further restrict freedom of expression.
This is what it's about: More and more young people in Germany are converting to Islam and are publicly staging this step on social media.
This is why it's important: This development demonstrates a societal shift in which religion is also becoming an expression of identity, protest, or a trend. Public exposure on platforms like TikTok reinforces copycat behavior. Parents and society are faced with the challenge of distinguishing between a genuine search for meaning and potential radicalization.
Here's what happens next: Counseling centers like the Violence Prevention Network offer help to concerned parents.
This is what it's about: Arminia Bielefeld is only the fourth third division team to reach the final of the DFB Cup.
That's why it's important: In a time when football matches are won by those who can spend the most money on good players, Arminia has proven that sometimes things can be done differently: with a lot of heart, a plan and a growing symbiosis between a team and a euphoric city.
Here's what happens next: On Saturday (8 p.m., ZDF and Sky), Bielefeld will face VfB Stuttgart and have the chance to become the first third-division team to win the cup.
This is what happened: The US company Meta, owned by Mark Zuckerberg (41), wants to train its artificial intelligence with data from EU users in the future.
This is why it's important: All information posted publicly on the Instagram and Facebook platforms is affected – such as posts, photos, and comments. Consumer advocates believe Meta's actions violate European data protection law.
Here's what happens next: Users have the option to object to the use of their data. However, this must be done by May 26.
Have a good weekend.
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