The US government shutdown threatens salary payments for 12,000 German civilian employees at US military bases, leading to union demands for German government intervention based on labor law.
Germany and Iceland have enhanced their military cooperation, focusing on maritime logistics and surveillance to counter increased Russian threats in the Arctic region.
Defense Minister Pistorius defends himself amid Union criticism over a new military service law while the government plans to introduce the bill in the Bundestag this week.
Germany is currently engaged in a heated public debate on whether to reinstate mandatory military service for young men, reflecting diverse generational views and societal considerations.