May 24, 2026 — A new survey shows widespread public scepticism in Germany about the military’s ability to defend the country and growing concern about non‑kinetic threats, while a range of other domestic and international stories drew headlines.
Poll finds low confidence in Bundeswehr
An Insa poll conducted for Bild am Sonntag between May 21 and 22 among 1,005 people found just 17% of respondents believe the Bundeswehr could adequately defend Germany in the event of an attack; 72% said they did not. Concern about a direct Russian attack has eased compared with late 2025: 38% now say they are worried, while 50% are not. However, fears of hybrid threats are pronounced — roughly two‑thirds of respondents said they worried about cyberattacks, sabotage or disinformation disrupting life in Germany.
Berlin gun scare
Police in Berlin launched a large response after a 35‑year‑old man allegedly stepped onto a balcony in the Hellersdorf district holding a long gun and threatened children, according to authorities. The children fled and a witness called police. Officers, including a special unit, entered the apartment and found two other adults aged 47 and 43. Authorities seized a long gun with a magazine but no ammunition, two prohibited knives and almost 8,700 suspected smuggled cigarettes. After identity checks and on‑site procedures the 35‑year‑old was released; the 47‑year‑old resident was briefly held for identification and later released. Investigations continue.
Germany condemns missile strike near Kyiv
Chancellor Friedrich Merz strongly condemned a Russian missile strike close to Kyiv, calling it a “reckless escalation.” Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the attack as “missile terror,” citing use of an Oreschnik intermediate‑range weapon and saying the strike underscored the need to keep strengthening Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities reported impacts in Bila Tserkva and said air defences were responding to a large combined attack involving dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones. German officials discussed further financial support for Ukraine at a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Helsingborg. The attack also damaged the studio of German broadcaster ARD in Kyiv, prompting condemnation from journalists’ organisations.
Bayern win Cup; Dortmund named Supercup opponent
Bayern Munich beat Stuttgart in the German Cup final, with Harry Kane scoring a hat‑trick to complete a domestic double for the Bavarian club. Stuttgart’s loss means Borussia Dortmund, as league runners‑up, will contest the 2026 Supercup against Bayern. The Franz Beckenbauer Supercup is scheduled for August 22, 2026; recent prize money has been around €3 million for the winner and €2 million for the runner‑up.
German delegation visits Taiwan
A five‑member Bundestag delegation led by Green Party lawmaker Till Steffen arrived in Taiwan to deepen parliamentary ties and stress common democratic values. The group — which includes lawmakers from multiple parties — plans meetings with President Lai Ching‑te, former president Tsai Ing‑wen, Taiwanese legislators, business representatives and civil society figures through May 31. The visit comes despite likely objections from Beijing and aims to broaden cooperation on trade and technology.
Tram collision injures dozens in Düsseldorf
Two trams collided head‑on on May 23 at the busy intersection of Berliner Allee and Graf‑Adolf‑Strasse in Düsseldorf, injuring 28 people. Five were taken to hospital with serious but non‑critical injuries; others were treated at the scene. The crash occurred during a large Japanese cultural festival that typically draws big crowds. Services on affected lines were diverted while emergency crews and the transport operator dealt with the aftermath.
Ukraine rejects Merz proposal on EU status
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to offer Ukraine an “associate” role in the EU that would allow attendance at summits and ministerial meetings without voting rights. Zelenskyy argued that partial or second‑class status would be unfair and reiterated that Ukraine seeks full and equal EU membership.
Olaf Scholz tipped to chair Global South committee
Reports indicate former chancellor Olaf Scholz is likely to be named chair of a new government North‑South Committee focused on expanding ties with countries of the Global South. The committee, foreseen in the coalition agreement between Merz’s conservatives and the SPD, is intended to advise on diversifying Germany’s international partnerships. Scholz, who served as chancellor from 2021 to 2025, remains a member of the Bundestag.
Other notes
– Pentecost: The Christian festival of Pentecost (Pfingsten), observed 50 days after Easter, falls this time of year; Whit Monday following the Sunday is a public holiday in Germany.
– Naturalisations: More than 300,000 people took German citizenship in 2025, a reported 6% increase over the previous year. Officials expect another rise in applications as some refugees, including Ukrainians, adjust their protected status.
These items reflect developments in Germany and its international relations as of late May 2026; several stories remain under investigation or are developing.