Merz said the agreement was finalized this week on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, and is intended to address what he described as a significant gap in Germany’s military capabilities.

“This will close an important strategic gap in our defense, and at the same time, we will work to develop our own European systems and station them in Europe,” Merz told lawmakers in the German parliament after returning from the summit.

Germany expands long-range strike capability

The agreement follows years of discussions between Berlin and Washington, with successive German governments seeking approval since 2023 to acquire the long-range missile system.

Under the deal, the United States is expected to grant Germany formal approval in August to purchase an undisclosed number of Tomahawk cruise missiles along with ground-based Typhoon missile launchers.

The letter of intent signed Tuesday does not include the deployment of U.S. military personnel to operate the systems.

Tomahawk missile remains a key U.S. weapon

The Tomahawk cruise missile has been part of the U.S. military’s arsenal since the 1980s and is designed to strike targets deep inside enemy territory.

Although slower than many modern missiles, it flies at an altitude of about 30 meters (100 feet), making it more difficult for air defense systems to detect and intercept.

The missile has a range of approximately 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) and uses precision guidance technology to accurately engage strategic targets far beyond the battlefield.

Broader U.S.-Europe defense cooperation

The agreement reflects expanding defense cooperation between the United States and its European allies as NATO members continue strengthening their military capabilities following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The missile deal also represents a broader transfer of U.S. defense technology to key European partners as governments across the continent seek to modernize their armed forces.

The announcement came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, a move long sought by Kyiv to strengthen its ability to defend against Russian missile attacks.

For Germany, the Tomahawk purchase is expected to enhance NATO’s long-range deterrence capabilities while Berlin simultaneously pursues the development of indigenous European missile systems.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Germany | Friedrich Merz | Tomahawk Missiles | United States | NATO | Defense | Military | Europe

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The development comes as the governing Labour Party prepares to select a new leader within weeks, a process that could determine not only the party’s future direction but also the next occupant of Downing Street. With no major rival currently emerging, Burnham appears increasingly likely to inherit leadership of both the party and government.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced earlier this week that he would step down, defended his record during his final appearances in Parliament while continuing diplomatic engagements with European partners focused on Ukraine, European security and tensions in the Middle East.

Leadership Race Narrows

The prospect of a contested Labour leadership election diminished after Cabinet minister Darren Jones confirmed he would not seek the party leadership.

Jones, considered by some Labour figures as a possible alternative candidate, told Sky News that running for the leadership was not something he intended to pursue.

His decision removes one of the few figures viewed as capable of mounting a challenge to Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor who recently returned to Parliament after winning a special election and quickly positioned himself as a candidate for the party leadership.

Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also indicated support for Burnham, further strengthening the mayor’s position ahead of the nomination process.

Labour is scheduled to open nominations on July 9, with submissions closing one week later. If Burnham remains unopposed, he could assume office before Parliament’s summer recess. A contested race would extend the process until lawmakers return in September.

Economic Direction Under Scrutiny

Although Burnham has not formally outlined a full economic platform, attention is already turning to the policy direction a future government under his leadership might take.

Jones cautioned against moving too far from the political center on economic issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidence among financial markets, trade unions and Labour lawmakers.

Burnham is expected to present key elements of his economic agenda in a speech next week. Observers within the party are also watching closely for decisions regarding senior economic appointments, particularly following speculation about changes to Treasury leadership.

The debate reflects broader questions within Labour about balancing economic growth, public spending and market confidence after years of political and economic uncertainty.

Starmer Defends His Record

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Starmer’s tenure, accusing Labour of abandoning the prime minister and rallying behind Burnham.

Starmer rejected the criticism and argued that his government had helped reverse the effects of years of Conservative-led austerity policies.

“The test for every prime minister is handing over this country in better shape than you found it,” Starmer told Parliament. “I know I can do that.”

The outgoing prime minister has pledged to oversee what he described to Cabinet ministers as an orderly transfer of power before leaving office.

European Allies Praise Outgoing Prime Minister

While preparing to leave office, Starmer continued diplomatic engagements abroad, participating in discussions in Berlin with leaders from Germany, France, Italy and Poland.

The talks focused on European defense, Russia’s war against Ukraine and developments in the Middle East.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly thanked Starmer for his role in strengthening cooperation among European allies and supporting NATO during a period of heightened security challenges.

Merz expressed regret at Starmer’s departure while praising the cooperation between their governments in recent months.

Starmer said he was proud of efforts to rebuild Britain’s relationships with European partners and other international allies, describing those efforts as an important part of his legacy.

Defense Policy Remains Unfinished

One of the major items expected before Starmer leaves office is the publication of a long-awaited defense investment strategy.

The plan has attracted significant political attention following the resignation of Defense Secretary John Healey earlier this month.

The government is expected to release details of the investment framework before a NATO summit scheduled to take place in Turkey in early July.

Although Starmer is entering the final weeks of his premiership and is restricted from launching major new policy initiatives, the defense plan is expected to remain a key component of his government’s final agenda and could influence Britain’s security policy under his successor.

Tags: United Kingdom, Labour Party, Andy Burnham, Keir Starmer, Darren Jones, Wes Streeting, British Politics, Leadership Election, NATO, Germany, Friedrich Merz, European Security

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July-28-2025, 16:35 EDT

A regional train derailed in southern Germany on Sunday, killing at least three people and injuring several others. The incident occurred near the town of Riedlingen in Baden-Württemberg, prompting an emergency response and an investigation into whether severe weather contributed to the tragedy.

Derailment occurs in forested area near Riedlingen

The derailment took place around 6:10 p.m. local time (1610 GMT) on July 27, 2025. The train, which was carrying approximately 100 passengers, was traveling through a forested stretch of track about 98 miles (158 kilometers) west of Munich when at least two carriages left the rails and overturned.

Images from the crash site showed train cars lying on their sides while emergency responders climbed onto the wreckage to assist those trapped or injured.

German federal and local authorities responded quickly to the scene, where firefighters, police officers, and rescue teams worked through the evening to secure the area and treat victims.

Casualties and injuries confirmed by authorities

Police confirmed that at least three people lost their lives in the derailment. Several others were reported to have sustained serious injuries, although the exact number of injured passengers has not yet been made public.

Given the number of people on board and the extent of damage to the train carriages, officials expect the number of injured to rise. Local hospitals in the region, including in Riedlingen and nearby cities such as Ulm and Biberach, were placed on alert to receive patients.

Weather possibly linked to crash, say officials

While the exact cause of the derailment remains under investigation, early reports suggest that heavy rainfall and a potential landslide may have played a role.

“There have been heavy rains here, so it cannot be ruled out that the heavy rain and a related landslide accident may have been the cause,” said Thomas Strobl, interior minister for the state of Baden-Württemberg. “However, this is currently the subject of ongoing investigations.”

Germany has experienced unstable summer weather in recent days, with intense storms and flooding reported across parts of the country. Investigators are expected to examine soil conditions, drainage systems, and rail stability in the affected area.

Chancellor Merz, Deutsche Bahn respond to tragedy

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing sorrow for the victims and their families. “I mourn with the relatives of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” Merz wrote.

Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway operator, confirmed in a public statement that it is fully cooperating with the authorities and supporting the investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” the company said. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those injured. We are working with local responders and experts to understand the cause of the derailment.”

Emergency services continue recovery and repair

As of Monday morning, emergency services remained at the site of the derailment to oversee cleanup operations and assess rail damage. Investigators from Germany’s Federal Railway Authority (Eisenbahn-Bundesamt) have also been deployed to lead the technical review.

Authorities are expected to inspect the affected section of track for structural issues and signs of a landslide, particularly as the train passed through a heavily forested and sloped area.

Rail services in the surrounding region have been suspended or rerouted, and Deutsche Bahn has set up an emergency contact line for families of those who may have been aboard the train.

Rail safety and infrastructure under renewed scrutiny

This accident has renewed questions about the resilience of Germany’s rail infrastructure, particularly in the face of extreme weather. In recent years, climate change has intensified storms across Central Europe, leading to more frequent disruptions to rail and road networks.

Although Germany’s railway system is generally considered safe and modern, incidents such as this derailment highlight the need for ongoing investment in weather-resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and slope monitoring technology.

Recent derailments in Germany and Europe

While rare, train derailments in Germany and elsewhere in Europe have occasionally led to fatalities and prompted changes in policy or rail design.

In 2022, a train derailed in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, killing five people and injuring dozens. That incident was later attributed to track defects and prompted rail authorities to initiate safety upgrades.

European Union transportation officials have also called for increased coordination between national railway operators and environmental monitoring agencies to better anticipate climate-related disruptions.

Ongoing investigation expected to take weeks

The full investigation into the Riedlingen derailment is expected to take several weeks. Authorities will analyze black box data, track conditions, weather patterns, and train performance records to determine the chain of events that led to the tragedy.

For now, the priority remains on caring for the injured, supporting victims’ families, and restoring the affected section of railway as safely and efficiently as possible.

Source: AP News – At least 3 killed and others injured in train derailment in southern Germany

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A high-stakes NATO summit kicked off Tuesday in the Netherlands, bringing world leaders together at a critical moment for the alliance’s future — and global security at large.

The two-day gathering, widely described as historic, could mark a turning point for the 32-member bloc. Leaders are expected to approve a bold new defense spending target: 5% of each country’s GDP dedicated to security. The move would signal a sweeping escalation in military preparedness, aimed squarely at countering threats from outside the alliance.

Trump’s Return Overshadowed by Iran Strikes and Surprise Ceasefire

Originally, much of the spotlight was expected to fall on U.S. President Donald Trump, who is attending his first NATO summit since returning to the White House. He was poised to claim credit for rallying allies behind the unprecedented military spending pledge — a long-standing priority for his administration.

But the narrative shifted abruptly following Trump’s unexpected strike on three Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities, a move the White House says was designed to weaken Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Just as stunning was Trump’s sudden announcement that Iran and Israel had reached a “complete and total ceasefire,” shifting global attention from Brussels to the Middle East overnight.

Ukraine Still Front and Center — Even if the Focus Has Shifted

While headlines swirl around Iran, NATO leaders insist that support for Ukraine remains a top priority. The war is now in its fourth year, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty are “non-negotiable.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in The Hague for a full slate of meetings, though notably absent from a leaders-only session aimed at finalizing the new defense spending plan. He’s expected to meet with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and will later address the Dutch parliament.

The scene marks a shift from last year’s summit in Washington, where NATO’s closing statement strongly backed Ukraine’s future within the alliance, calling its path to membership “irreversible.”

France and Germany Back Peace, Warn of Long-Term Stakes

In a joint op-ed published Monday in the Financial Times, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed strong support for U.S.-led efforts to secure peace in Ukraine. The leaders pledged to uphold Ukrainian sovereignty and ensure long-term European stability.

“Russia will find in France and Germany an unshakeable determination,” they wrote. “What is at stake will determine European stability for the decades to come.”

They added that Europe must guarantee Ukraine’s future as “prosperous, robust, and secure” — free from Russian aggression.

Bottom Line: As NATO leaders huddle behind closed doors in The Hague, the alliance faces no shortage of urgent challenges — from rising defense budgets and a protracted war in Ukraine, to surprise diplomacy in the Middle East. Whether the summit ends in unity or deepened divisions could shape the global security landscape for years to come.

Source: AP News – World leaders gather for historic NATO summit with unity on the line

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In a powerful show of unity and support for Ukraine, the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Poland visited Kyiv this weekend and issued a clear message to Moscow: agree to a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday—or face sweeping new sanctions.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said the demand comes with full backing from the White House, following a joint call with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ceasefire on All Fronts

The proposed ceasefire would cover land, sea, and air operations. If successful, Macron said, it could open the door for immediate peace negotiations aimed at ending the war.

“We demand it together from Russia,” Zelensky declared during the joint press conference. “The ceasefire must be full, unconditional, and begin Monday, May 12. Anything less is a clear sign of an intent to drag out the war.”

Kremlin Pushes Back

Despite the unified front from Kyiv and its allies, the Kremlin isn’t budging—at least not yet. In an interview with CNN, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is “resistant to any kind of pressure,” and while President Putin supports a ceasefire “in general,” he raised vague concerns that “still need answering.”

One likely sticking point? Western military aid to Ukraine. Peskov hinted to ABC News that Russia wants an end to U.S. and European weapons deliveries—a demand Kyiv and its allies are unlikely to entertain.

Leaders Arrive in Kyiv by Train

Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived early Saturday morning by train. They were welcomed at Kyiv’s central station by Zelensky’s chief of staff and later paid tribute to Ukraine’s fallen soldiers at Independence Square before heading to Mariinsky Palace for high-level talks.

Later, the four leaders huddled around a phone for a joint call with President Trump. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister shared a photo of the moment online, describing the conversation as “fruitful.”

The Clock Is Ticking

With less than 36 hours to go, if Russia agrees, satellite monitoring and communication systems will need to activate quickly to enforce the ceasefire across multiple fronts.

Russia, meanwhile, has continued with short-term, unilateral ceasefires—like the one it declared ahead of its annual May 9 Victory Day celebration. That pause is set to expire at midnight. Ukraine reported hundreds of Russian attacks during this period, though there were no major airstrikes or drone attacks on cities since Wednesday.

A Shift in U.S. Diplomacy

Since Trump’s return to the White House in January, Ukraine and its European allies have been closely watching for changes in U.S. policy toward Moscow. Trump recently warned that failure to respect the proposed ceasefire would result in further sanctions—signaling a tougher stance than some expected.

Still, Peskov downplayed the pressure, saying, “We are very grateful for U.S. mediation efforts, but it’s quite useless to try to press on us.”

Rising Security Concerns

Amid ceasefire talks, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued a security alert Friday, warning of a potential major air attack in the coming days based on intelligence reports.

With diplomacy hanging in the balance, all eyes now turn to Moscow—and whether Putin will seize the chance for de-escalation or face deeper international isolation.

Source: CNN – European leaders visit Kyiv, and tell Russia: 30-day ceasefire now or face massive sanctions

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The deal marks a significant moment for Germany, Europe’s largest economy, which is teetering on the brink of recession. The ripple effects of sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have triggered global economic instability, pushing Germany into a state of heightened concern. As fears of a downturn loom, the newly formed coalition aims to tackle these challenges head-on.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Merz, the CDU leader who emerged victorious in February’s federal elections, laid out an ambitious agenda for Germany’s future. “The future government will reform and invest to keep Germany stable, secure, and economically stronger,” Merz asserted, reflecting an optimistic tone amid the growing uncertainties.

He emphasized that Europe could once again “rely” on Germany, pointing to the coalition’s commitment to restoring the country’s position as a beacon of economic stability in a turbulent world. Merz acknowledged the increasing political tensions globally and the strains these external pressures have placed on Germany, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine and the unpredictable economic consequences of the Trump administration’s trade decisions.

“The war in Ukraine continues, with no end in sight,” Merz said. “At the same time, economic uncertainties are mounting—decisions by the American government this week have already triggered turbulence. We are witnessing these developments in real time.”

This reference to Trump’s tariffs highlights the precarious global economic situation. The tariffs, which have altered the global trade landscape, have created ripples in Germany’s economy, adding pressure to the negotiations for a new coalition government.

Unveiling the details of the coalition agreement, Merz outlined several significant policy shifts, including a proposal to extend the minimum period for obtaining German citizenship to five years, up from three. The new government also plans to overhaul Germany’s security policies, with a substantial increase in defense spending and the introduction of a Swedish-style voluntary military service.

Despite the CDU’s victory in the February elections, Merz faces mounting pressure. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained considerable traction, securing second place in the election and nearly doubling its supporter base. A recent Ipsos poll released Wednesday showed the AfD leading with 25%, just ahead of the CDU at 24%.

“For the first time, we are the strongest force in Germany,” AfD co-leader Alice Weidel declared, marking a pivotal moment for the party. This shift has added a sense of urgency to the coalition talks, with Merz and his allies in the CDU/CSU keen to forge a government that can address both economic instability and rising far-right influence.

Merz has promised to revive Germany’s economy, which has suffered from stagnation in recent years. One of the key areas of focus for the incoming Chancellor is defense. With growing concerns over Russia’s aggression and a more hostile stance from the US on European security, Merz has pledged to increase defense spending and allow for greater investments in defense infrastructure.

Additionally, Merz has signaled his intention to tighten Germany’s immigration policies, following a series of high-profile attacks attributed to migrants. This issue has become a focal point in the 2025 election campaign, and Merz has vowed to make it a priority.

As Merz prepares to take office, the coalition’s path forward will require navigating both internal and external challenges. The global economic climate, shaped by the US tariffs, and the rise of the AfD, will test his leadership. However, Merz’s vision for a more secure, economically resilient Germany offers a glimpse of hope in an otherwise uncertain landscape.

With the new coalition set to take shape, the coming months will be crucial for Germany as it seeks to redefine its role in Europe and the world. Will Merz’s leadership steer Germany through turbulent waters? Time will tell.

Source: CNN – Germany’s incoming Chancellor Merz unveils coalition as Trump tariffs spark recession fears

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French President Emmanuel Macron has made a remarkable diplomatic return, shifting from France’s domestic challenges to leading European defense initiatives. Once facing a political crisis at home, Macron is now at the forefront of global diplomacy, forging key relationships, advancing European defense, and pushing for peace in Ukraine.

A Weakened President Becomes a Global Leader

Just six months ago, Macron appeared politically weakened. A failed call for early legislative elections left France with a hung parliament, sparking a major political crisis. With his domestic agenda stalling, Macron focused on foreign policy, largely leaving internal struggles to his prime minister. However, his leadership on the global stage has since been revitalized.

Now, he’s one of the few world leaders to engage in frequent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, offering critical support for Ukraine while championing a stronger European defense.

A Longstanding Vision for a Stronger Europe

Macron’s push for a more sovereign and united Europe has been a central theme of his presidency since 2017. That year, he delivered a landmark speech at Sorbonne University, calling for a common European defense policy and closer military cooperation among EU member states. Macron famously criticized NATO as being in “brain death” and urged the EU to act as a strategic power, independent of U.S. influence.

The shifting global landscape has given new momentum to his vision. With tensions rising over Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and U.S. policies under Trump, Macron’s leadership in strengthening European defense is now more relevant than ever.

Macron’s Bold Nuclear Proposal

Macron has also raised the stakes for European security. Last week, he proposed extending France’s nuclear deterrent to its European partners, an effort to bolster the continent’s defense capabilities. This nuclear strategy, rooted in the vision of French wartime leader Charles de Gaulle, has historically been about maintaining France’s independence and global standing.

Poland and the Baltic states have already welcomed Macron’s offer, seeing it as a necessary step toward securing Europe’s future. French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Europe must no longer be a passive observer in global affairs but an active player.

New Alliances with the UK and Germany

Macron’s efforts to strengthen European defense have found strong allies in British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German conservative leader Friedrich Merz.

Starmer, in office for just eight months, has prioritized closer defense ties with Europe as part of a broader “reset” after Brexit. Macron and Starmer are now jointly pushing for a peace plan centered on Ukraine, which could involve European troops to help enforce a peace agreement.

Similarly, Merz, who won Germany’s election last month, has expressed support for greater European independence from the U.S. During his first visit to Paris, he discussed “nuclear sharing” with Macron, a proposal that aligns both leaders’ visions for Europe’s future.

Russian Criticism and Macron’s Response

Macron’s growing role in European defense has drawn sharp criticism from Russia. Moscow’s foreign ministry accused him of “demonstrative militarism,” claiming the French president is using foreign policy to distract from domestic issues in France and the EU. Russia dismissed Macron’s nuclear deterrent proposal as “confrontational” and aimed at making France the nuclear “patron” of Europe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also criticized Macron’s position, drawing a comparison with Napoleon and the failed French invasion of Russia in 1812. In response, Macron has called Putin an “imperialist,” underlining the sharp divide between the two leaders.

Macron’s Domestic Struggles and Political Resilience

Although reelected in 2022, Macron faced significant domestic challenges last year. His push for early legislative elections led to a chaotic parliamentary situation that delayed the state budget and forced the resignation of his prime minister. Despite these setbacks, Macron continues to wield substantial influence over foreign policy, defense, and European affairs, thanks to his constitutional powers.

His international activism, however, has faced criticism from opposition leaders. Far-right National Rally party vice president, Sébastien Chenu, has accused Macron of being “moody” and inconsistent in his foreign policy. Similarly, Mathilde Panot, head of the left-wing France Unbowed group, has expressed concerns over Macron’s unilateral approach to such serious issues, calling for more parliamentary involvement in key decisions.

Looking Ahead: Macron’s Global and Domestic Balancing Act

As Macron navigates his second term, he faces the dual challenge of rebuilding his political influence at home while continuing to shape Europe’s role on the world stage. His diplomatic success in Ukraine and his push for a stronger European defense may define his legacy, but his ability to balance foreign policy with domestic challenges will be crucial for his long-term political survival.

Key Highlights:

1. Macron’s diplomatic return: From a domestic crisis to leading global conversations on European defense and Ukraine.
2. A stronger Europe: Macron’s vision for a more sovereign and unified EU is gaining momentum.
3. Nuclear deterrent proposal: France’s offer to extend its nuclear capabilities to protect Europe.
4. Strategic alliances: Macron finds key allies in the UK and Germany for a united European defense.
5. Russian criticism: Macron faces backlash from Moscow but remains resolute in his policies.

Source

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