Dear Readers,
This week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz set out his vision for Europe in a keynote speech in Prague (Czech Republic), advocating for a strong EU. The Chancellor reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating that "we will maintain this support, reliably, and for as long as necessary." The Chancellor also emphasized the importance of excellent transatlantic relations: "Strong partners are all the more important, above all the United States". The Czech Republic is currently holding the EU Council Presidency.
Meanwhile, Germany is grieving the death of former Soviet leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mikhail Gorbachev, who died at the age of 91 this week. He was one of the most significant key figures in the second half of the 20th century. Gorbachev was a courageous reformer whose policies "made it possible for Germany to be reunited and for the Iron Curtain to disappear," Scholz said. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also paid tribute to the statesman, stating that "Germany remains bound to him in gratitude for his decisive contribution to German unity, in respect for his courage to open up democratically and to build bridges between East and West."
This week's newsletter features articles about these topics and more. We hope you enjoy reading them!
Yours,
The "Germany for Americans" Team |
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Scholz wants to strengthen Europe
Germany's Chancellor Scholz has set out his vision for Europe in a keynote speech. He advocates a strong EU and has announced a European air defence system.
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Death of Gorbachev: Courageous reformer
Mikhail Gorbachev has died at the age of 91. Germany's Federal Chancellor Scholz, Federal President Steinmeier and Foreign Minister Baerbock remember his achievements.
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Chancellor Scholz meets Ukrainian soldiers training in Germany
The service members are in Germany for training on Gepard tanks. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has vowed to send even more heavy weapons to Ukraine in the coming months.
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Germany improves daycare options for parents
Finding childcare has been a challenge for many working parents in both the US and Germany, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This month, Germany's Federal Cabinet passed the Children's Daycare Quality Act, which provides four billion euros to the Federal states to increase the number of daycare staff, provide high quality language support and health and exercise programs in daycares. "All children in Germany should have access to good early childhood education - no matter where they live, and no matter whether their parents are wealthy or poor," said the Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Lisa Paus.
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Germany and Canada sign hydrogen deal
Germany and Canada have signed a long-term cooperation agreement for the production and transport of hydrogen. The first shipment is already scheduled for 2025.
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Gas storage facilities filling up faster than expected
The targeted filling level could be reached as early as the beginning of September. New supply sources are compensating for the reduced deliveries from Russia.
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Germany is forging ahead with cutting-edge technologies
Domestic living spaces need to become more efficient in order to save more energy. Energy-efficient redevelopment and new heating technologies will help achieve this. To gain an insight into these technologies, Federal Chancellor Scholz visited the heat pump manufacturer Viessmann.
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Protecting the world's oceans - an important goal of Germany's climate diplomacy
The world's oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
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German Ambassador meets student group in Washington
Young leaders, politically and socially engaged, visited the US ambassador in Berlin, followed by Ambassador Haber in Washington. DAI was the organization that sent this group of students across the Atlantic, calling the young leaders "Ambassadors in Sneakers". We were surprised that not everyone was wearing sneakers! The group visited the Embassy Auditorium, snapped some photos in front of the Berlin Wall, and met with a young diplomat, who answered their questions about life in public service abroad. Finally they were able to engage with Ambassador Haber on her mission of connecting the US and Germany, who thanked the students for "deepening our German-American bonds." |
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The German Autobahn turns 90
All over the world, it's the first thing many think of in connection with Germany: the Autobahn. A dense network, smooth asphalt, no speed limit. However, it was not, as many believe, a creation of Hitler and the Nazis.
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