While Russia's president continues to organize supplies for the front, the financial gaps in Germany's statutory health insurance funds are becoming increasingly threatening.
With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Friday and the start of the weekend.
This is what it's about: After the demise of the Wagner mercenary group, new armies have emerged in Russia that are subordinate to the GRU military intelligence service.
That's why it's important: President Vladimir Putin (72) is constantly exploring new ways to ensure the supply of soldiers for the campaign in Ukraine. Private armies offer the advantage for the Russian leadership that they cannot be held directly responsible for conscription and possible deaths on the battlefield.
This is how it continues: The troops are supposed to ensure that the brutal war in Ukraine, which is also causing many casualties for Russia, continues unabated.
This is what's happening: Statutory health insurance is facing deep deficits due to sharply rising costs. Andreas Gassen (63), head of the statutory health insurance association, is calling for possible cuts in services, such as mother-child health spa treatments.
That's why it's important: The financial shortfall in the health insurance funds is a problem that the governing coalition must address quickly. Otherwise, statutory health insurance holders will have to pay ever-increasing contributions, and the state will have to pay ever-increasing subsidies.
Here's what's next: The federal government is referring to a commission that will develop proposals in the fall. The CDU/CSU and SPD are rejecting blanket benefit cuts and are focusing on efficiency rather than sacrifice.
This is what it's about: Because very few insured people use their electronic patient record (ePA), the Association of General Practitioners has warned of the ePA's failure - and has also called on health insurance companies to provide better information.
Background: If insured persons have their own ePA via an app on their smartphone, they can decide for themselves who can see their health data – and who can't. If nothing is regulated, all medical practices and pharmacies can access the ePA as soon as the health card is inserted. However, there is no nationwide ePA app; each health insurance company has its own.
Here's what's happening: So far, most ePAs are still relatively empty. While doctors are allowed to fill them, they aren't required to do so until October.
This is what it's about: UNESCO recently declared Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian municipality of Schwangau a World Heritage Site.
Background: Those who make it onto this elite list are committed to principles such as sustainability, maintenance, and protection of the distinguished cultural assets. Specifically, UNESCO is calling for a visitor management strategy for Neuschwanstein to mitigate the effects of mass tourism.
This is what we'll take away: Neuschwanstein is similar to Venice. A visit is definitely worth it. Less for the culture, which can only be seen in shadows there, but more for the people from all over the world who come together in this place. Some even do so voluntarily.
This is what happened: The birth rate in Germany fell again in 2024. It now stands at 1.35 children per woman.
Background: If this trend continues, Germany would shrink in the long term, based solely on birth rates. However, there are significant regional differences. The eastern part of Germany generally has lower birth rates, but even there, the results vary by municipality.
Here's how it will continue: For the time being, however, the population in Germany will continue to grow. The effects of low birth rates are still being offset by comparatively high immigration.
We wish you a sunny start to the weekend. See you Monday,
PS: The trial against steakhouse heiress Christina Block (52) continues today at 9:30 a.m. To keep you fully informed, I recommend our story about Block's ex-husband Stephan Hensel (60). You can find it here .
And away from the news storm...
… we have some more reading recommendations for your weekend:
Capital Radar: Personal impressions and background information from the government district. Every Thursday.
Life and Us: The guide to health, well-being and the whole family – every other Thursday.
US radar: What's moving the United States: RND's US experts provide context and background information. Every Tuesday.
The RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) with its hundreds of correspondents provides you with information about Germany, the world, and a growing number of regions and cities in Germany, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use our RND app and rnd.de. Learn more about our network and our partner editorial offices at rnd.de/netzwerk .
