Frank-Walter Steinmeier Elected President of Germany
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected Germany’s 12th post-war president by the parliament on February 12.
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Merkel’s CDU Suffers Defeat in German State Elections
The election results in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the state represented by Angela Merkel when she was first elected to the Bundestag, could foretell more losses for her party in next year’s general election.
Read MoreSyrian Ceasefire Begins, A Shaky Peace Holds
The peace was a welcome sign for many in the war-torn country. Key rebel cities like Aleppo and Homs hosted new protests against the Assad regime, with the slogan, “The Revolution Continues.”
Read MoreEurope Struggles to Integrate Migrants, Refugees
While Sweden and Germany enforce open integration policies, Britain increases funding for English-language instruction and Denmark requires migrants to surrender possessions valued over $1,500.
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Cologne Assaults Stir Anti-Migrant Sentiment
Chancellor Merkel proposed a new law that would deny asylum to individuals with a criminal background, and even those on probation. It has already received support from Peter Sutherland, United Nations Special Representative for International Migration.
Read MoreFocus on Immigration: European Union
By Keith Barnes Staff Writer Considering the degree of integration among European states and the Schengen Agreement, movement by one
Read MoreEuropean Policies Diverge on Refugees
The BBC reports that considering their increasing estimates of incoming migrants, now a staggering 800,000, Germany’s government has released an additional 3 billion euros from the federal budget to help local governments. The influx of refugees from the Middle East also affects European migrants–the German government will change the status of Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro to “safe” so that migrants from those countries can be easily deported.
Read MoreObama and Merkel Diverge on Ukraine Plan
On February 10, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United States President Barack Obama displayed their disagreement over Ukraine at a White House press conference. Chancellor Merkel, whose visit to Washington was only a quick stop while shuttling between Kiev and Moscow, emphasized that the European Union will continue focusing on diplomatic means to diffuse tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
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