Volkswagen has to replace a key member of the board and US President Donald Trump (79) is threatening the inventor of an app with state violence.
With these and three other topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Thursday.
This is what happened: Six days ago, the VW Group unexpectedly parted ways with its Chief Human Resources Officer, Gunnar Kilian (50). The IG Metall union refused to renew his contract. In the midst of the biggest upheaval in the company's history, a vacancy now exists in Wolfsburg.
This is why it's important: Kilian was considered a bridge builder at VW, who, as a former works council member, was able to connect the various camps and thus ensure peace within the company. The decisive role played by IG Metall in this issue demonstrates its power within the company.
Here's what's next: The search for a successor has begun. But the requirements profile is very specific.
What it's about: With "ICEBlock," raids by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (ICE) officers can be marked on a map – and users in the area are alerted via push notification. The app is currently gaining users rapidly.
Why it's important: ICE agents have been cracking down on migrants since Trump took office. There are reports of masked operations, and in some cases, officers are ambushing people outside courtrooms or schools.
Here's what's next: The Trump administration is now threatening the app's creator. Attorney General Pam Bondi (59) declared that developer Joshua Aaron should "pay attention" and that the Department of Justice is "watching him." However, legal experts agree: The app is by no means illegal.
This is what it's about: European heads of state and government, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz (69, CDU), as well as the leaders of the EU are traveling to Rome today for a Ukraine reconstruction meeting.
Background: The conference, organized by Italy and Ukraine, aims to mobilize international support and investment for the reconstruction of the country attacked by Russia.
Here's what's next: At the meeting in the Italian capital, the EU Commission is expected to pledge new financial aid to Kyiv. A meeting of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" is also planned.
This is what happened: A simple hunting lodge in Schleswig-Holstein's largest forest area is said to have served as a business premises and tax haven for multi-million dollar companies until recently.
That's why it's important: Forest owner Gregor Graf von Bismarck (60), great-great-grandson of the famous Reich Chancellor, used an old aristocratic privilege to lure companies into his forest with a low trade tax rate - and thus earned millions.
Here's what's happening: The Kiel state parliament wants to "unmunicipalize" the unincorporated Sachsenwald forest and close the tax loophole. But because none of the surrounding municipalities wants to voluntarily take over the forest, the state now has to force a municipality to do so.
This is what it's about: As of July 1, the salary for members of the Bundestag increased to 11,833 euros - a result of an automatic process that has been in effect since 2016.
Background: According to the Basic Law, members of parliament should receive "appropriate compensation" for their work, at a level that "safeguards their independence." After all, they give up their regular jobs and forgo income for their mandate.
Here's what's next: Automatic adjustment will remain in place until further notice. Only in June did the Bundestag, with a majority of the CDU/CSU, SPD, and the Greens in opposition, approve the extension.
I wish you a constantly compliant ATM near you. See you tomorrow,
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