Germany ramps up drone defences as hybrid threats multiply

Germany is accelerating its defences against aerial threats with a new drone security research unit and a doubling of its federal anti-drone police force, moves that follow a string of incidents including an explosives-laden drone discovered near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig-Halle airport.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told Bild am Sonntag that the research centre will open on 18 August at a German Aerospace Centre (DLR) test airport in Saxony-Anhalt. The facility will develop counter-drone technologies and coordinate between researchers, industry and security agencies. At the same time, the Federal Police anti-drone unit will grow from 150 to 300 officers spread across eight operational bases, up from four.

Low water forces Sunday lorry ban suspension

Persistently low water levels on the Rhine have pushed several states to suspend Sunday and holiday driving bans for heavy goods vehicles. North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland all activated exemptions this weekend, aiming to shift freight from constrained barges to roads. Transport Minister Oliver Krischer said the temporary measure would help prevent supply shortages. The Verdi trade union criticised the move, arguing it erodes legally protected rest periods for drivers.

Pension reform plans meet broad public opposition

A survey by polling institute Insa for Bild found 68 percent of respondents oppose the government commission's proposal to abolish the "retirement at 63" scheme, which allows penalty-free pensions after 45 contribution years. Only 24 percent supported the change. The scheme currently applies to those born in 1952 or earlier, with a gradual increase for later cohorts. The same poll showed 61 percent against levying social security contributions on low-wage mini-jobs, and 77 percent dissatisfied with overall pension policy. Verdi chairman Frank Werneke urged the government to drop the plan, noting growing resistance among state premiers.

Tax changes target associations and business gains

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil plans to slash the tax-free allowance for certain associations from €5,000 to a €1,000 exemption limit starting in 2027, meaning any profit above that threshold becomes fully taxable. The measure would affect professional sports clubs and other commercially active bodies, raising an estimated €45 million. Additional concessions on the cards for removal include a €45,000 allowance on business sale profits and tax-free gains on corporate share sales. CSU state group leader Alexander Hofmann warned the changes would hit organisations with limited financial reserves.

ADHD diagnoses surge among children

New diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among under-18s rose 16 percent in 2024 to 202,000, according to health insurer DAK-Gesundheit. Boys were diagnosed at roughly twice the rate of girls, but the increase among girls was sharper at 21 percent versus 14 percent for boys. Since 2020, diagnoses in girls have jumped 46 percent. The steepest rise occurred in the 10-14 age group, up 22 percent. Primary school children remain the most diagnosed cohort, at nearly 24 per 1,000 children aged five to nine.

Meanwhile, around 500 cyclists participated in Berlin's first World Naked Bike Ride on Sunday, a 30-kilometre loop from Mauerpark through the government district promoting body acceptance, environmental awareness and naturist visibility. Organisers hope the event will revive interest in a movement that has seen declining membership.