Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a proposal for special EU associate status and renewed calls for full membership, saying Ukraine should have equal rights and a complete role within the bloc.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed a new EU “associate member” status for Ukraine that would bring Kiev closer to EU institutions and security arrangements while delaying full membership rights.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that the United States and Germany have shared military interests after the announcement of plans to withdraw U.S. 5,000 troops from bases in Germany over the next year. Officials stress cooperation will continue, while Europe may take on greater security responsibility.
Israeli defence firm Rafael is in talks to take over Volkswagen’s Osnabrück plant as production winds down. The site could be repurposed to support Iron Dome components, with some jobs potentially retained.
Germany’s chancellor said the U.S. is struggling in its conflict with Iran, warning there is no clear path to end it. He said the situation is complex and affecting economies, while tensions continue to impact global trade.
Germany plans to send a minehunter to the Mediterranean ahead of a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The move supports efforts to secure shipping routes after tensions disrupted global trade.
Germany’s chancellor said Ukraine’s path to EU membership is key to ending the war with Russia and suggested ‘part of Ukrainian territory will no longer be Ukrainian.’
Germany approved €6.6 million in arms exports to Israel during the early weeks of the Iran conflict, government data shows. The figure is lower than post-Gaza war approvals, reflecting ongoing limits on military supplies.
Germany and Ukraine have signed new defence deals covering missiles, drones and air defence. Berlin also backed Kyiv’s EU bid and called for the release of EU funds to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term security.
Germany says shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must remain free and toll-free under international law. The call comes after Iran agreed to reopen the key route during a two-week ceasefire.
Germany now requires men aged 17–45 to seek approval for stays abroad over three months under its new military service law. The rule supports efforts to track availability as the country works to expand troop numbers.
Germany’s military has begun sending questionnaires to 18-year-olds as part of the country’s new military service programme. The forms are the first step in assessing interest and suitability for service, as Berlin looks to increase troop numbers under a law that came into force on January 1.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he expects the United States to take part in a stronger NATO role to improve security in Greenland. Speaking during a visit to India, he said NATO allies share concerns about protecting the Arctic territory and should address them together within the alliance.
Germany and India have agreed to expand cooperation in the defence sector during talks in Ahmedabad. A declaration of intent was signed during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit, with plans including submarine construction in India and wider cooperation covering defence, technology, jobs, and critical resources.
Germany approved €8.4 billion in arms export licences in 2025, marking a clear drop after two record years. Government data show a sharp fall in approvals for Ukraine, while Norway became the largest recipient and licences for Turkey rose to their highest level since 1999.
