The foreign and defence ministers of Japan and Germany will hold a “2 plus 2” virtual dialogue in mid-April -- in the wake of China taking an increasingly aggressive foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan and Germany to hold first '2 plus 2' dialogue talks in April

Thousand of locals took to the streets in Germany to protest against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> restrictions while the government plans to initiate stricter regulations amid an incoming third wave of the deadly virus.

The protestors started marching from the city centre to the main square in northeastern Stuttgart.

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Present in large numbers, the protestors ignored repeated calls of the police to wear masks and maintain proper social distance. However, there were no major incidents reported.

These protests were organised under a movement called "(Anticonformist)", which opposes social restrictions and has been organising similar demonstrations in Germany since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-set-to-enter-third-lockdown-amid-coronavirus-surge-375143" hreflang="en">France set to enter third lockdown amid coronavirus surge</a>

The demonstrators believe the restrictions being imposed by the government are "over the top" and the government should initiate an end of the lockdown.

Some protestors also accused the government of exaggerating the seriousness of the deadly virus by publishing wrong and increased tally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-vaccinated-people-spread-the-virus-we-dont-know-scientists-say-374976" hreflang="en">Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say</a>

Demonstrators also raised voices against getting vaccinated, as the officials are urging people to get a jab as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Angela Merkel-led government is looking at the possibility of introducing uniform measures to contain the spread of the virus and "to stop a third wave if the regional measures are insufficient," a government spokesperson said.

Thousand of locals took to the streets in Germany to protest against the coronavirus restrictions while the government plans to initiate stricter regulations amid an incoming third wave of the deadly virus.

Thousand of locals took to the streets in Germany to protest against the coronavirus restrictions while the government plans to initiate stricter regulations amid an incoming third wave of the deadly virus. The protestors started marching from the city centre to the main square in northeastern Stuttgart. Also read | First baby born in Spain with coronavirus antibodies, reports say Present in large numbers, the protestors ignored repeated calls of the police to wear masks and maintain proper social distance. However, there were no major incidents reported. These protests were organised under a movement called "(Anticonformist)", which opposes social restrictions and has been organising similar demonstrations in Germany since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Also read | France set to enter third lockdown amid coronavirus surge The demonstrators believe the restrictions being imposed by the government are "over the top" and the government should initiate an end of the lockdown. Some protestors also accused the government of exaggerating the seriousness of the deadly virus by publishing wrong and increased tally. Also read | Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say Demonstrators also raised voices against getting vaccinated, as the officials are urging people to get a jab as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the Angela Merkel-led government is looking at the possibility of introducing uniform measures to contain the spread of the virus and "to stop a third wave if the regional measures are insufficient," a government spokesperson said.

Thousands protest against strict coronavirus restrictions in Germany

It's a tough time for Berliners, coming out of five months of winter and a continuing lockdown, they are looking for a little colour in their lives. And that is being provided by Dariush Dinarvandi, who has put several thousand Easter decorations in the trees and the garden around his house.

Berlin resident lifts neighbours' mood with Easter-decorations

European Medicines Agency (EMA) has once again reiterated its backing of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine after Germany suspended its use for people above the age of 60 years.

EMA sees 'no evidence' to restrict AstraZeneca vaccine amid suspensions

Germany is suspending routine use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for people aged below 60 because of a risk of rare blood clots. The decision was taken by the country's health minister after an emergency meeting.

Germany halts use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for under-60s

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party continue to lose support in the country, a poll revealed on Sunday. A national election is due in the country in September, and the Greens appear to be closing in on Merkel.

A poll by Kantar shows that support Christian Democrats (CDU) - Merkel’s party, and the Bavarian CSU sister party dropped to 25 per cent. Together, the parties are called the “union”.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-chancellor-merkels-party-suffers-clear-defeat-in-two-german-state-elections-370486/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Fall of percentage points for the union builds on the ongoing decline for the party recorded over four consecutive weeks. Such decline in support for the party was earlier seen in March 2020.

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Earlier this month, Merkel’s party lost two state elections, mostly owing to the pandemic response of the government.

"There is a change of mood in the country," Bavarian premier and CSU leader Markus Soeder, in line to be the next chancellor candidate for conservatives, said in an interview to Bild am Sonntag newspaper. "The Union must show that it still has strength and ideas and is not exhausted and worn out. It needs new beginnings now”, he added.

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Support for Greens in the country rose by 1 percentage points to 23, as per the Kantar poll, which took into account 1,447 voters between March 18-24.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party continue to lose support in the country, a poll revealed on Sunday. A national election is due in the country in September, and the Greens appear to be closing in on Merkel.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party continue to lose support in the country, a poll revealed on Sunday. A national election is due in the country in September, and the Greens appear to be closing in on Merkel. A poll by Kantar shows that support Christian Democrats (CDU) - Merkel’s party, and the Bavarian CSU sister party dropped to 25 per cent. Together, the parties are called the “union”. Fall of percentage points for the union builds on the ongoing decline for the party recorded over four consecutive weeks. Such decline in support for the party was earlier seen in March 2020. Also read: As Biden meets EU leaders, Merkel calls for increased domestic vaccine production Earlier this month, Merkel’s party lost two state elections, mostly owing to the pandemic response of the government. "There is a change of mood in the country," Bavarian premier and CSU leader Markus Soeder, in line to be the next chancellor candidate for conservatives, said in an interview to Bild am Sonntag newspaper. "The Union must show that it still has strength and ideas and is not exhausted and worn out. It needs new beginnings now”, he added. Also read: German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party suffers heavy losses in state polls Support for Greens in the country rose by 1 percentage points to 23, as per the Kantar poll, which took into account 1,447 voters between March 18-24.

Support for Angela Merkel's party falls further in Germany, new poll reveals

FIFA on Friday said it will not&nbsp;sanction&nbsp;the German national team for its T-shirt protest in support to human rights before the World Cup qualifier match against Iceland on Thursday.&nbsp;

Germany head coach Joachim Loew said that he supported the players after the squad word black t-shirts with 'Human Rights’ written over it – aimed at 2022 World Cup host Qatar. Germany went on to defeat Iceland 3-0 but their stand got the footballing world talking.&nbsp;

"It was a sign that we stand up for all human rights in the world, no matter where," said Loew after the qualifier in Duisburg.&nbsp;

FIFA prohibits political statements during matches but the governing body told AFP's SID that they will not sanction the German national team.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/germany-players-in-human-rights-message-ahead-of-world-cup-qualifier-373322" hreflang="en">Germany players in 'Human Rights' message ahead of World Cup qualifier</a>

"FIFA believes in freedom of expression and in the power of football to drive positive change," it said in a statement on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, Norway national team also staged a similar protest connected to human rights issues in Qatar.&nbsp;And FIFA responded by saying it will not&nbsp;penalise&nbsp;Norway for the protest.&nbsp;

Notably, Human rights groups have been critical of Qatar over its treatment of migrant workers. However, Qatar disputes the claims.&nbsp;

The German government in Berlin welcomed the national team's protest in "making it clear once again what values they stand for," said Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/germany-england-italy-win-but-spain-held-in-world-cup-qualifying-373210" hreflang="en">Germany, England, Italy win but Spain held in World Cup qualifying</a>

"That's something good because the national team" represents Germany, and so "it's good if it professes the values of our liberal democracy," Seibert added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dagmar Freitag, chair of the German parliament's sports committee, hinted towards double standards in the football team's protest.&nbsp;

Freitag welcomed the stance but pointed out that it put the Bayern Munich players involved "in a difficult situation" as Qatar's national airline sponsors the club world champions.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)&nbsp;

FIFA on Friday said it will not sanction the German national team for its T-shirt protest in support to human rights before the World Cup qualifier match against Iceland on Thursday.

FIFA on Friday said it will not sanction the German national team for its T-shirt protest in support to human rights before the World Cup qualifier match against Iceland on Thursday. Germany head coach Joachim Loew said that he supported the players after the squad word black t-shirts with 'Human Rights’ written over it – aimed at 2022 World Cup host Qatar. Germany went on to defeat Iceland 3-0 but their stand got the footballing world talking. "It was a sign that we stand up for all human rights in the world, no matter where," said Loew after the qualifier in Duisburg. FIFA prohibits political statements during matches but the governing body told AFP's SID that they will not sanction the German national team. ALSO READ: Germany players in 'Human Rights' message ahead of World Cup qualifier "FIFA believes in freedom of expression and in the power of football to drive positive change," it said in a statement on Friday. Earlier, Norway national team also staged a similar protest connected to human rights issues in Qatar. And FIFA responded by saying it will not penalise Norway for the protest. Notably, Human rights groups have been critical of Qatar over its treatment of migrant workers. However, Qatar disputes the claims. The German government in Berlin welcomed the national team's protest in "making it clear once again what values they stand for," said Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert on Friday. ALSO READ: Germany, England, Italy win but Spain held in World Cup qualifying "That's something good because the national team" represents Germany, and so "it's good if it professes the values of our liberal democracy," Seibert added. Dagmar Freitag, chair of the German parliament's sports committee, hinted towards double standards in the football team's protest. Freitag welcomed the stance but pointed out that it put the Bayern Munich players involved "in a difficult situation" as Qatar's national airline sponsors the club world champions. (With AFP inputs)

No FIFA punishment for Germany national team despite 'Human Rights' protest

Germany's national team lined up in T-shirts which spelled the message 'Human Rights' before their World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Thursday, less than two years before the finals are controversially staged in Qatar.

"We have the World Cup coming up and there will be discussions about it.... we wanted to show we are not ignoring that," Leon Goretzka, who scored the opening goal in a 3-0 win, told RTL.

"We wrote the letters ourselves. We have a large reach - and we can use it to set an example for the values we want to stand for. That was clear."

Joachim Loew's German team echoed a similar demonstration from Norway, who on Wednesday donned T-shirts with the message 'Human rights, on and off the pitch' in support of migrant workers building World Cup venues in Qatar for the 2022 finals.

The gesture, before Norway's World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar, came after several Norwegian clubs spoke out in favour of a boycott of the 2022 finals.

UK daily newspaper The Guardian recently claimed that more than 6,500 workers have died on stadium construction sites since the World Cup was awarded to Qatar in 2010.

In Germany, a poll by magazine Spiegel says two thirds of those asked were in favour of&nbsp;boycotting Qatar 2022.

A leading German supporters group ProFans has called on the German FA to withdraw the national team from the 2022 World Cup finals.

The German Football Association (DFB) has so far only said it will continue voicing concerns.

Germany's national team lined up in T-shirts which spelled the message 'Human Rights' before their World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Thursday, less than two years before the finals are controversially staged in Qatar.

Germany's national team lined up in T-shirts which spelled the message 'Human Rights' before their World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Thursday, less than two years before the finals are controversially staged in Qatar. "We have the World Cup coming up and there will be discussions about it.... we wanted to show we are not ignoring that," Leon Goretzka, who scored the opening goal in a 3-0 win, told RTL. "We wrote the letters ourselves. We have a large reach - and we can use it to set an example for the values we want to stand for. That was clear." Joachim Loew's German team echoed a similar demonstration from Norway, who on Wednesday donned T-shirts with the message 'Human rights, on and off the pitch' in support of migrant workers building World Cup venues in Qatar for the 2022 finals. The gesture, before Norway's World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar, came after several Norwegian clubs spoke out in favour of a boycott of the 2022 finals. UK daily newspaper The Guardian recently claimed that more than 6,500 workers have died on stadium construction sites since the World Cup was awarded to Qatar in 2010. In Germany, a poll by magazine Spiegel says two thirds of those asked were in favour of boycotting Qatar 2022. A leading German supporters group ProFans has called on the German FA to withdraw the national team from the 2022 World Cup finals. The German Football Association (DFB) has so far only said it will continue voicing concerns.

Germany players in 'Human Rights' message ahead of World Cup qualifier

Germany on Wednesday backtracked on its plan to impose strict Easter weekend shutdown after opposition from the public. Germany on Wednesday said it would scrap plans to close most shops in the country over Easter from April 1 to 5 after facing stinging criticism of the plan.&nbsp;

The government instead asked people to stay home over the holiday and Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a mea culpa after reversing the measures.

"This mistake is mine alone," Merkel said. "The whole process has caused additional uncertainty, for which I ask all citizens to forgive me."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the European Union said it was going to tighten vaccine export controls in a bid to give boost to its stuttering.

'Big lesson in humility'

Elsewhere on the continent, Belgium said it would bring in a new partial lockdown for four weeks, closing schools and limiting access to non-essential shops as it sought to quell a third wave.

The pandemic "is a big lesson in humility for politicians, for everyone," Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in announcing the measures. 
Poland meanwhile recorded its highest daily infections with nearly 30,000 new cases, while the Netherlands extended coronavirus restrictions until April 20.&nbsp;

And Norway said it would roll out new restrictions this week, including banning alcohol sales at bars and restaurants.&nbsp;

Vaccines are seen as the way out of the pandemic that has now killed more than 2.7 million people around the world and plunged the global economy into a recession not seen in decades.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Germany on Wednesday backtracked on its plan to impose strict Easter weekend shutdown after opposition from the public. Germany on Wednesday said it would scrap plans to close most shops in the country over Easter from April 1 to 5 after facing stinging criticism of the plan.

Germany on Wednesday backtracked on its plan to impose strict Easter weekend shutdown after opposition from the public. Germany on Wednesday said it would scrap plans to close most shops in the country over Easter from April 1 to 5 after facing stinging criticism of the plan. The government instead asked people to stay home over the holiday and Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a mea culpa after reversing the measures. "This mistake is mine alone," Merkel said. "The whole process has caused additional uncertainty, for which I ask all citizens to forgive me." Meanwhile, the European Union said it was going to tighten vaccine export controls in a bid to give boost to its stuttering. 'Big lesson in humility' Elsewhere on the continent, Belgium said it would bring in a new partial lockdown for four weeks, closing schools and limiting access to non-essential shops as it sought to quell a third wave. The pandemic "is a big lesson in humility for politicians, for everyone," Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in announcing the measures. Poland meanwhile recorded its highest daily infections with nearly 30,000 new cases, while the Netherlands extended coronavirus restrictions until April 20. And Norway said it would roll out new restrictions this week, including banning alcohol sales at bars and restaurants. Vaccines are seen as the way out of the pandemic that has now killed more than 2.7 million people around the world and plunged the global economy into a recession not seen in decades. (With AFP inputs)

Germany backtracks on Easter shutdown plans

Captain Manuel Neuer wants Germany to prove themselves in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but their plans were dealt a blow Tuesday as Toni Kroos withdrew with injury.

Their opening qualifier against Iceland in Duisburg on Thursday is Germany's first international since their humiliating 6-0 thrashing by Spain last November.

After nearly 15 years as coach, Loew will step down after the delayed Euro 2020 from June 11-July 11 and has "challenged" his team to find form.

Germany also face Romania away on Sunday, then North Macedonia again in Duisburg three days later.

"The national coach is right. We're all challenged -- we have big plans," said Neuer in a press conference on Tuesday.

"We want to get into the swing of things. We can't make any more mistakes."

However, Germany will be without Real Madrid star Kroos, who has a groin injury.

"I'm reluctant to be without him," Loew said in a statement, but the 31-year-old is not an option for the three qualifiers.

However, there was some good news as Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich joined the squad after recovering from a cold.

Neuer says Germany have extra motivation for the Euro finals, where they face World Cup winners France, reigning champions Portugal and Hungary in their group.

"We all have ambitious goals and want to crown (Loew's) successful era with a great finish," said Neuer.

"(Loew) is very motivated and ambitious. He wants it at all costs. He wants to quit as successfully as possible."

Loew has called up five Premier League players after Germany relaxed some of its Covid-19 travel restrictions.

However, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, Chelsea trio Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Antonio Ruediger plus Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno are in a 'working quarantine' within the Germany camp.

The five are kept separate apart from training, team meetings and matches.

"We are not in contact with the UK players, who have separate tables compared to the players who live in mainland Europe," said Neuer.

Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus said the squad are just happy to be able to play, with the rest of Germany still in lockdown.

"There are worse things than being in a bubble with the national team for 10 days," said the 24-year-old.

"In a certain way it has become everyday life in Germany."

Captain Manuel Neuer wants Germany to prove themselves in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but their plans were dealt a blow Tuesday as Toni Kroos withdrew with injury.

Captain Manuel Neuer wants Germany to prove themselves in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but their plans were dealt a blow Tuesday as Toni Kroos withdrew with injury. Their opening qualifier against Iceland in Duisburg on Thursday is Germany's first international since their humiliating 6-0 thrashing by Spain last November. After nearly 15 years as coach, Loew will step down after the delayed Euro 2020 from June 11-July 11 and has "challenged" his team to find form. Germany also face Romania away on Sunday, then North Macedonia again in Duisburg three days later. "The national coach is right. We're all challenged -- we have big plans," said Neuer in a press conference on Tuesday. "We want to get into the swing of things. We can't make any more mistakes." However, Germany will be without Real Madrid star Kroos, who has a groin injury. "I'm reluctant to be without him," Loew said in a statement, but the 31-year-old is not an option for the three qualifiers. However, there was some good news as Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich joined the squad after recovering from a cold. Neuer says Germany have extra motivation for the Euro finals, where they face World Cup winners France, reigning champions Portugal and Hungary in their group. "We all have ambitious goals and want to crown (Loew's) successful era with a great finish," said Neuer. "(Loew) is very motivated and ambitious. He wants it at all costs. He wants to quit as successfully as possible." Loew has called up five Premier League players after Germany relaxed some of its Covid-19 travel restrictions. However, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, Chelsea trio Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Antonio Ruediger plus Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno are in a 'working quarantine' within the Germany camp. The five are kept separate apart from training, team meetings and matches. "We are not in contact with the UK players, who have separate tables compared to the players who live in mainland Europe," said Neuer. Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus said the squad are just happy to be able to play, with the rest of Germany still in lockdown. "There are worse things than being in a bubble with the national team for 10 days," said the 24-year-old. "In a certain way it has become everyday life in Germany."

Neuer challenges Germany to throw down marker, Kroos drops out

The novel Coronavirus is still prevailing in Europe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has extended the nationwide lockdown till 18th April in view of the radical increase in covid cases.

Germany extends lockdown measures till 18 April

Protesters erupt in Germany, defy coronavirus curbs

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement.&nbsp;

Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;

The head of Berlin state's intelligence service, Michael Fischer, described these protesters as having clear extremist tendencies and willing to use violence.&nbsp;

They are set to march from the Brandenburg Gate to the nearby Reichstag, the building that houses the German parliament.&nbsp;

Left-wing counter-protesters have said they will gather to oppose the march.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a demonstration by critics of the government's coronavirus restrictions are planning their own rally at Alexanderplatz, a major transport hub and shopping area in central Berlin.&nbsp;

Demonstrations last year in Berlin saw tens of thousands of Germans taking to the streets to protest lockdown measures, leading to violent confrontations with police and hundreds of people taken into custody.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement.

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement. Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency. The head of Berlin state's intelligence service, Michael Fischer, described these protesters as having clear extremist tendencies and willing to use violence. They are set to march from the Brandenburg Gate to the nearby Reichstag, the building that houses the German parliament. Left-wing counter-protesters have said they will gather to oppose the march. Meanwhile, a demonstration by critics of the government's coronavirus restrictions are planning their own rally at Alexanderplatz, a major transport hub and shopping area in central Berlin. Demonstrations last year in Berlin saw tens of thousands of Germans taking to the streets to protest lockdown measures, leading to violent confrontations with police and hundreds of people taken into custody. (With inputs from agencies)

Berlin braces for far-right protests, counter-demonstrations 

Coronavirus infections are rising exponentially in Germany. The country is in a third wave of the pandemic, driven by an easing of restrictions in recent weeks just as a more transmissible variant has spread.

Germany witnesses an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases

A German law firm has published an independent report on the handling of sex abuse cases by the Catholic Chruch. The report covers Germany's most powerful Catholic diocese of Cologne.

Law firm publishes independent report on Germany's most powerful diocese

German air taxi startup Volocopter is planning to raise fresh funds from the investors adding that deal to go public via a special purpose acquisition company was one option on the table. Volocopter this month tapped investors led by U.S. asset manager Blackrock for $239 million in backing as it seeks certification for its battery-powered flying taxi.

World Business Watch: Air taxi startup Volocopter eyes fresh funding, SPAC an option

A much-awaited independent study has revealed that hundreds of sexual violence cases have been committed by Germany's clergy and laymen in the European nation's top diocese.

The 800-page report on the Cologne diocese was commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church and uncovered 202 perpetrators of sexual assault and 314 victims between 1975 and 2018.&nbsp;

"More than half of the victims were children under the age of 14," Bjoern Gercke, a lawyer mandated by the Church, told reporters.

While the results of the report were shocking, the investigation has cleared Cologne's Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki's name.&nbsp;

Woelki is a conservative who has long resisted reform, of breach of duty over the abuse. Series of protests were carried out against him after it was alleged that he refused to allow publication of an earlier study based on abuse committed by priests from his diocese.

The conservative, however, defended his decision by citing a right to privacy of the alleged culprits in the report and had also raised the question of lack of independence on part of some of the researchers.

His approach, however, was called a "disaster" by Georg Baetzing, president of the German bishops' conference.

Woelki is now suspending two Cologne Church officials, bishop Dominikus Schwaderlapp and the head of a diocese court, Guenter Assenmacher, with immediate effect and has held them responsible for a "cover-up" of several child abuse cases.

He has also assured that he will carry a detailed reading of the report and issue more concrete measures next week against the alleged culprits.

"The tragedy of Cologne regarding the report and the archbishop overshadowed this aspect," the government commissioner on child sexual abuse, Johannes-Wilhelm Roerig said.

A much-awaited independent study has revealed that hundreds of sexual violence cases have been committed by Germany's clergy and laymen in the European nation's top diocese.

A much-awaited independent study has revealed that hundreds of sexual violence cases have been committed by Germany's clergy and laymen in the European nation's top diocese. The 800-page report on the Cologne diocese was commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church and uncovered 202 perpetrators of sexual assault and 314 victims between 1975 and 2018. "More than half of the victims were children under the age of 14," Bjoern Gercke, a lawyer mandated by the Church, told reporters. While the results of the report were shocking, the investigation has cleared Cologne's Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki's name. Woelki is a conservative who has long resisted reform, of breach of duty over the abuse. Series of protests were carried out against him after it was alleged that he refused to allow publication of an earlier study based on abuse committed by priests from his diocese. The conservative, however, defended his decision by citing a right to privacy of the alleged culprits in the report and had also raised the question of lack of independence on part of some of the researchers. His approach, however, was called a "disaster" by Georg Baetzing, president of the German bishops' conference. Woelki is now suspending two Cologne Church officials, bishop Dominikus Schwaderlapp and the head of a diocese court, Guenter Assenmacher, with immediate effect and has held them responsible for a "cover-up" of several child abuse cases. He has also assured that he will carry a detailed reading of the report and issue more concrete measures next week against the alleged culprits. "The tragedy of Cologne regarding the report and the archbishop overshadowed this aspect," the government commissioner on child sexual abuse, Johannes-Wilhelm Roerig said.

Hundreds of child sex abuse cases revealed in German diocese: Report

France, Germany and Italy have joined a growing list of nations that have suspended the use of AstraZeneca's COVID jabs. Are European powers politicising vaccines, or is there solid science behind the move? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: France, Germany suspend AstraZeneca jabs

France, Italy and Germany became the latest major European countries to block Astrazeneca's Covid-19 vaccines over reports of dangerous blood clots in some recipients.

News Alert: Italy, Germany, France suspends AstraZeneca jabs

Museums and galleries across the world were closed for months due to the pandemic. With cases declining vaccination driving speeding up. some countries are beginning to lift restrictions, Germany is one of them.

Germany eases lockdown measures, museums reopen

German carmaker Volkswagen plans to cut up to 4,000 jobs at its plants in Germany by offering early or partial retirement to older employees. It's a move that could cost several hundred million dollars to German auto major.

World Business Watch: German carmaker Volkswagen to cut up to 4,000 jobs via early retirement

Museums and galleries around the world are closed for months due to COVID-19. With cases declining vaccination, drive are now speeding up, some countries starting to lift restrictions, Germany is one of them

Germany's Barberini museum is set to open its door for art lovers

Europe: Germany has recorded 14,356 new cases in the last 24 hours. This sharp surge in covid cases is considered as a result of the easing of lockdown curbs last week.

Germany records 14,356 new cases in last 24 hours

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced cultural institutions to explore alternatives digital spaces with online exhibitions and a rise in virtual reality. Now since the emergence of the pandemic, thousands of museums and cultural institutions have temporarily shut down their operations leaving behind empty streets and a restless public.

Coronavirus Update: Museums in Germany open with caution

The United Kingdom lost market share in the United States, Germany and China during the COVID-19 pandemic due to global trade chaos, Brexit and poor productivity, according to new research published.

World Business Watch: UK market share in US, Germany, China falls

Two German lawmakers have resigned from posts in chancellor Angela Merkel`s parliamentary group in a scandal over alleged kickback payments for state purchases of respiratory masks, in a blow to her party ahead of two regional elections.

Nikolas Loebel, a member of Germany`s lower house said on Sunday he would resign as member of Merkel`s parliamentary group with immediate effect and no longer seek a new term in the lower house in federal elections scheduled for September.

He said he would quit politics "to avert further damage" to the conservative CDU party and parliamentary group following allegations he received 250,000 euros ($300,000) in payments as part of a state mask purchase.

The resignation comes one week before regional elections in the western states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Wuerttemberg.

The scandal risks stirring more voter disgruntlement after Germany`s ruling coalition of Merkel`s CDU and the centre-left SPD came under fire for a slow COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Another conservative member of parliament, Georg Nuesslein, on Friday resigned from his post as one of the deputy leaders of Merkel`s parliamentary group, saying he would also not run to keep his seat in parliament in the September elections.

Nuesslein, a member of the CDU`s Bavarian sister party CSU, has been accused of taking more than 600,000 euros via a consultancy firm for mediating a mask order by the state.

Prosecutors in Munich have said they were investigating initial allegations of bribery. Nuesslein has rejected the accusations.

Federal health minister Jens Spahn, also of the CDU, who has faced accusations of failing to ramp up the nation`s immunisation campaign, was at pains to distance himself from Loebel.

"To accept a commission payment and to make money from mediating in an emergency situation is an absolute no-go," Spahn said in an interview with newspaper Rheinpfalz.

"It destroys trust in our democracy," he added.

Two German lawmakers have resigned from posts in chancellor Angela Merkel`s parliamentary group in a scandal over alleged kickback payments for state purchases of respiratory masks, in a blow to her party ahead of two regional elections.

Two German lawmakers have resigned from posts in chancellor Angela Merkel`s parliamentary group in a scandal over alleged kickback payments for state purchases of respiratory masks, in a blow to her party ahead of two regional elections. Nikolas Loebel, a member of Germany`s lower house said on Sunday he would resign as member of Merkel`s parliamentary group with immediate effect and no longer seek a new term in the lower house in federal elections scheduled for September. He said he would quit politics "to avert further damage" to the conservative CDU party and parliamentary group following allegations he received 250,000 euros ($300,000) in payments as part of a state mask purchase. The resignation comes one week before regional elections in the western states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Wuerttemberg. The scandal risks stirring more voter disgruntlement after Germany`s ruling coalition of Merkel`s CDU and the centre-left SPD came under fire for a slow COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Another conservative member of parliament, Georg Nuesslein, on Friday resigned from his post as one of the deputy leaders of Merkel`s parliamentary group, saying he would also not run to keep his seat in parliament in the September elections. Nuesslein, a member of the CDU`s Bavarian sister party CSU, has been accused of taking more than 600,000 euros via a consultancy firm for mediating a mask order by the state. Prosecutors in Munich have said they were investigating initial allegations of bribery. Nuesslein has rejected the accusations. Federal health minister Jens Spahn, also of the CDU, who has faced accusations of failing to ramp up the nation`s immunisation campaign, was at pains to distance himself from Loebel. "To accept a commission payment and to make money from mediating in an emergency situation is an absolute no-go," Spahn said in an interview with newspaper Rheinpfalz. "It destroys trust in our democracy," he added.

German MPs quit assembly posts over mask kickback allegations

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