News compact
“It’s about autocracy versus democracy.” Ursula von der Leyen gives a speech on the state of the European Union. “I stand here convinced that if we show courage and solidarity, Putin will fail and Europe will win,” said the Commission President. Independence from Russia and also from China, European autonomy – that is something like the leitmotif of the speech. Olena Zelenska, the wife of the Ukrainian President, has also come to the European Parliament. To the article (SZ Plus)
EXCLUSIVE Federal government plans to tighten sanctions law. A new law aims to make it easier to track down suspicious money and real estate. “So far, the existing legal regulations have not been specifically geared towards enforcing sanctions,” says a draft law that has not yet been finally approved. Experts are skeptical about the plans. To the article (SZ Plus)
Zelensky visits the liberated city of Izyum. Shortly after the withdrawal of Russian troops, the Ukrainian president traveled to the liberated part of eastern Ukraine. He announces a further advance of the Ukrainian army. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen apparently wants to quickly integrate Ukraine into the European single market. To the live blog
Replacement for Hartz IV is coming. The traffic light coalition agrees on citizen income, it is the largest social reform for 17 years. Instead of penalties, help recipients should in future be encouraged to cooperate with more money. If you catch up on an apprenticeship, you get 150 euros more per month. To the article (SZ Plus)
EXCLUSIVE Court of Auditors criticizes grievances with the Corona bonus for nursing staff. The Federal Audit Office complained that many employees in nursing homes did not receive the special payment, which was intended as a thank you for their self-sacrificing work. Some clinics, on the other hand, received too much money. Go to Article
Kai Gniffke becomes ARD chairman. The director of Südwestrundfunk (SWR) will take over the ARD presidency next year. After the resignation of RBB director Patricia Schlesinger from the ARD chairmanship, who was fired without notice, Gniffke took over the position from interim director Tom Buhrow. Go to Article
King Charles inherits millions tax-free. As a monarch, King Charles III avoids after the death of his mother, the inheritance tax of 40 percent. The royal family owes this to former Prime Minister John Major. The conservative politician justified this rule in 1993 by saying that otherwise there was a risk that the royal family’s assets would be fragmented over generations. To the live blog
Which was also important
Everything about the energy crisis
Federal government wants to reduce gas VAT. With this step, the cabinet wants to relieve citizens and companies. From October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024, the supply of gas via the natural gas network should only be subject to VAT of 7 percent, no longer 19 percent. To the live blog
Federal government considering nationalization of Uniper. According to the company, in the efforts to further stabilize Germany’s most important gas importer Uniper, increased federal involvement is under discussion – up to and including nationalization. Uniper is in extreme difficulties due to the lack of Russian gas. Go to Article
This has interested many readers today
Why it’s better to change channels at Bayern 1. The program used to be considered the home of the old geezers. Now almost exclusively hits from the 1980s are playing that seem suspiciously familiar. Therefore: switch. And to the BR’s only real hipster station. Go to Article
rain, homemade Japan reflects on the craft of weather manipulation – and resorts to a controversial technique. Go to Article
“She was pretty cheeky too.” From the butcher of Balmoral to the cleric who was one of the last to keep her company, five people remember special moments with Elizabeth II. Read the article
Last but not least
Fly to Venice in a totally sustainable way? Despite the drought and melting glaciers, travel will be virtually CO₂-neutral – say tourism companies. You just have to believe it. To the gloss