While Chancellor Friedrich Merz (69) wants to fill the new German leadership role with action in Brussels, what is probably the most magnificent wedding of the year is starting in Venice.
With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Thursday.
What it's about: After the G7 summit and one day after the NATO summit, Friedrich Merz is heading to the next summit today. The heads of state and government of the 27 EU member states are gathering in Brussels.
That's why it's important: Merz's first appearances on the international stage underscore his goal of making Germany a leading nation again. At the EU summit, the goal is to bring the pro-Kremlin Hungarian President Victor Orbán (62) into line on the issue of Ukraine.
Here's what's next: In addition to discussions on the new sanctions package against Russia, the meeting will also address future dealings with Israel and the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria.
This is what it's about: The Bundestag is electing the members of the Parliamentary Control Committee (PKGr) today. The Left Party is fielding its parliamentary group leader Heidi Reichinnek (37) in the race.
This is why it's important: The PKGr operates under the strictest secrecy and oversees the work of the intelligence services on behalf of the people. However, the opposition is in danger of largely coming away empty-handed. The CDU/CSU has announced its veto against Reichinnek. Since the AfD candidates are also likely to fail, only one opposition representative, Konstantin von Notz (54, Green Party), is expected to be elected to the committee.
This is how things will continue: If the AfD and the Left Party fail, the opposition will remain severely underrepresented in the supervisory body. This could trigger political and constitutional debates.
This is what it's about: After the bomb attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, there is great concern in the USA about acts of revenge.
This is why it's important: Iran has long pursued the goal of demonstrating strength against the United States. Following the US strikes, the weakened mullahs' power apparatus could strike back with the help of its intelligence services in the form of assassins, sleeper cells, and cyberattacks.
Here's what's next: How and whether Iran takes revenge depends on domestic political developments in the country. Nevertheless, US security authorities are on high alert.
What it's about: Venice is in a state of emergency. US multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos (61) plans to celebrate his wedding to former TV presenter Lauren Sánchez (55) there over several days.
Why it matters: Bezos is one of the richest people in the world. The Amazon founder and Washington Post owner is controversial because he recently brought his companies into line with US President Donald Trump (79). This is one of the reasons why protests against him have been going on in Venice for days. He recently had to change the party venue for security reasons.
Here's what's next: According to reports, the couple's wedding is scheduled to take place today on the island of San Giorgo Maggiore. The celebrations are expected to last until Saturday.
This is what happened: The federal government no longer intends to reduce the electricity tax for everyone, as announced in the coalition agreement. The draft budget now only mentions that the electricity tax reduction for industry, agriculture, and forestry will be "permanent."
That's why it's important: This step could damage trust in the government and politics in general. North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (49, CDU) warns against a breach of the coalition agreement.
Here's what's next: The draft budget has only been approved by the cabinet so far; it still needs to be passed by the Bundestag and Bundesrat. If the wave of criticism continues, the electricity tax reduction could be discussed again.
I wish you an energetic start to the day. See you tomorrow,
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