The mammoth trial in the VW diesel scandal dragged on for four years and 174 days of hearings, and a verdict is expected today. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (69, CDU), on the other hand, is wasting no time, especially in his role as Federal Foreign Chancellor – he's about to embark on his ninth foreign trip of his nearly three-week term in office.
With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for the start of your week.
This is what it's about: Chancellor Merz is taking part in the annual meeting of Scandinavian heads of government in Finland today.
Background: The summit is marked by the threat posed by Russia and the claims of US President Donald Trump (78), who wants to take over Greenland, which has extensive autonomy rights and belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark under international law.
This is how it continues: After the Nordic Council summit, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (55) and Merz want to continue their bilateral talks on Tuesday.
What it's about: After almost four years of litigation over the Volkswagen emissions scandal, the massive fraud case against four former managers and engineers is nearing completion. The verdict is expected to be announced today.
Background: The diesel scandal is one of Germany's biggest industrial scandals, plunging VW into a deep crisis – the legal investigation alone cost the company 33 billion euros. Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn (78) subsequently resigned.
Here's what's next: Some of the defendants face prison sentences. The case against Winterkorn has been separated, but due to an accident, the trial against him has been interrupted. Whether and when the proceedings can be resumed remains completely open.
This is what it is about: One in five young Germans between 14 and 29 years of age is in debt.
This is why it's important: By offering simple installment payment models, financial service providers like Klarna or PayPal encourage a consumer behavior that many young people can't afford. They lose track of their spending and slide into debt.
What's next: Over-indebtedness can lead to long-term social exclusion and psychological stress. The EU is planning a legal right to free debt counseling. Experts are also calling for more financial education.
What it's about: Long, wavy hair with a center parting, plump lips, and lots of makeup – women in the circle of US President Donald Trump (78) look very similar. Many of them have undergone a striking physical transformation in recent years.
This is why it's important: The dominant image of women in Trump's administration closely aligns with the ideals of certain patriarchal evangelical circles – a movement that has gained further influence during Trump's second term. With the so-called "MAGA look," women want to defend traditional gender roles – it's a political statement.
Here's what's going on: The Trump administration's influence on social norms is significant and is spreading across the country with astonishing force.
This is what it's about: More and more women are freezing their eggs to give themselves more time to have children.
Why it's important: Social freezing gives women more control over their family planning. However, the procedure is physically demanding, expensive, and has limited chances of success. Many women underestimate the influence of age on egg quality.
Here's what happens next: Experts advise not to delay the procedure. Women should also view social freezing not as a guarantee, but as an option.
We wish you a successful start to the week,
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