The European Union and the United States agreed on a tariff deal this evening. Also: An exclusive data analysis by the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (Editorial Network Germany) reveals how full prisons in Germany are.
Of course, the serious train accident in Baden-Württemberg is also on our minds this morning. Here, we'll keep you updated with the latest information.
With these topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Monday.
This is what happened: The EU and the US have reached a deal in the tariff dispute. The compromise provides for a 15 percent surcharge on almost all imported products from the EU. However, the EU is only accepting the new deal with gritted teeth. For the European economy, it could mean a loss of up to 1 percent of GDP.
That's why it's important: The agreement prevents threatened US tariffs of up to 30 percent on EU products starting August 1. In addition to the agreement on US tariffs, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (66) pledged billions in EU investments in the US – money that the European economy would prefer to invest at home.
Here's what's next: Counter-tariffs from the EU are off the table for now, and the EU is also reducing all existing tariffs on US goods to 0 percent. However, all EU member states still have to approve the deal – there's no doubt about that in Brussels.
What it's about: The Böblingen-based company AP Sensing is developing devices that can use fiber optic cables as sensors to protect critical infrastructure. The technology can detect vibrations, gunshots, and even underwater activity.
This is why it's important: Attacks on critical infrastructure are increasing. This is demonstrated, among other things, by the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines, the destruction of submarine cables in the Baltic Sea, and the burning of cable shafts on railway lines.
Here's what's next: Companies like AP Sensing are continuing to develop their technology and hope for more investment. The government must decide how and where such systems are deployed. However, experts warn that technology alone is not enough. Resilience within the system and society is also needed.
This is what it's about: When it comes to rural areas in Germany, there's a lot of talk about problems: a lack of people, a lack of infrastructure, a lack of prospects. DIHK President Peter Adrian (68) advocates a different perspective: Rural regions are underestimated, he says in an interview with RND.
That's why it's important: Around half of Germany's gross value added takes place in rural areas. For industrial value added, the figure is almost two-thirds. Of the so-called "hidden champions," the unofficial global market leaders from Germany, 70 percent are based in rural areas. "It's not Berlin and Hamburg that set the pace on the global markets," says Adrian, "but the Swabian Alb, the Allgäu, or East Westphalia-Lippe."
The situation continues: Rural regions suffer even more than large cities from the shortage of skilled workers. Adrian demands that the state ensure public services across rural areas as well.
The issue is: Germany's prisons are filling up again. In some federal states, such as Rhineland-Palatinate and Bremen, there are hardly any free cells left.
This is why it's important: Overcrowded prisons are a burden for both inmates and correctional officers – and thus for the entire justice system. In Rhineland-Palatinate, for example, overcrowding is mitigated by multi-occupancy of suitable cells.
Here's what's happening: The number of prison inmates is rising significantly again after the coronavirus pandemic, according to data from the 16 state justice ministries available to the RND. Some ministries are calling for more funding for prison expansion. In other states, expansion measures are already planned or are currently being implemented.
What it's about: In recent months, repeated earthquakes have occurred in the vicinity of the Phlegraean Fields, Italy's supervolcano. This has raised concerns about a volcanic eruption.
Why it's important: The Phlegraean Fields are considered one of the world's most dangerous volcanic areas. In the worst-case scenario, a super-eruption could occur, hurling massive amounts of volcanic ash into the stratosphere. Global temperatures could drop dramatically. Even in the most optimistic scenario, millions of people in the greater Naples area would be threatened by descending lava masses.
Here's what's next: Experts can't predict when a volcanic eruption will occur or how strong it will be. In any case, experts criticize that we are not prepared for an eruption.
Have a good start to the new week. See you tomorrow,
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