&nbsp;A German court has banned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ola-uber-offer-free-services-to-mumbai-citizens-19662">Uber services</a> in Germany arguing the US ride-hailing company lacks a necessary license to offer passenger transport services using rental cars.

The verdict is effective immediately, but can be appealed, the Frankfurt regional court said in a statement on Thursday.

The court in 2015 forbids Uber from matching up drivers using their own cars with ride hailers.

Uber's service, which lets customers hail rides carried out in rented cars, is also illegal as it violated competition rules, the court said.

Uber was not immediately available for comment.

A German court has banned Uber services in Germany arguing the US ride-hailing company lacks a necessary license to offer passenger transport services using rental cars.

A German court has banned Uber services in Germany arguing the US ride-hailing company lacks a necessary license to offer passenger transport services using rental cars. The verdict is effective immediately, but can be appealed, the Frankfurt regional court said in a statement on Thursday. The court in 2015 forbids Uber from matching up drivers using their own cars with ride hailers. Uber's service, which lets customers hail rides carried out in rented cars, is also illegal as it violated competition rules, the court said. Uber was not immediately available for comment.

German court bans Uber services via rental cars

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee&nbsp;came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season.

Bayern's Serge Gnabry added another in the final minute of injury time to put the result beyond doubt, crushing the hopes of a dogged and determined home side.

It was business as usual early for Bayern, with Philippe Coutinho's chip over goalkeeper Mark Flekken cleared off the line after just two minutes. &nbsp;

In the 16th minute, 19-year-old Canadian Alphonso Davies put in a superb cross from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-forward-coman-out-until-january-with-knee-injury-268037">left-wing</a>, with Robert Lewandowski on the spot to open the scoring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was Lewandowski's 19th league goal of the season –&nbsp;and the sixth time he opened the scoring for Munich this campaign.

The goal seemed to calm Bayern, with the Bavarians content to dominate possession without making too many incursions into the Freiburg end.

After the half-time break, Freiburg showed the form that has taken them to sixth in the table, catching Bayern on the counter to create several half chances.

Vincenzo Grifo equalised in the 59th minute, nailing Janik Haberer's cross to give <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-brush-aside-mourinhos-spurs-to-claim-perfect-six-267846">Bayern</a> keeper Manuel Neuer no chance.

Freiburg had several chances to take the lead as the clock ran down, with Bayern's players visibly shaken by the home team's relentless pressing.

The win sees Bayern go into third place, four points behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-dortmund-loose-out-on-two-goal-lead-to-draw-3-3-with-rb-leipzig-268861">Leipzig</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-thrash-az-basaksehir-dump-moenchengladbach-out-of-europa-league-268032">Borussia Moenchengladbach</a>.

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⏱️ 90: Subs on Joshua Zirkzee 
⏱️ 90+2: Joshua Zirkzee makes it 2-1 
 
🤷‍♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCFFCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCFFCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/pIqsxRrddN">pic.twitter.com/pIqsxRrddN</a>
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1207419013439131649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Moenchengladbach overcame their recent poor form to defeat relegation favourites Paderborn 2-0 through a goal from Alassane Plea and a penalty from Lars Stindl.

Gladbach scored immediately after the break, with Plea's goal coming just 13 seconds into the second half to make it Gladbach's best start to the season in 42 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wolfsburg left it late to equalise at home to Schalke, Kevin Mbabu scoring in the 82nd minute to cancel out a 51st-minute strike from Ozan Kabak.

In Frankfurt, Cologne continued their excellent recent run of form, beating Eintracht 4-2 through three second-half goals.

After starting the season in terrible form, Cologne have now claimed the same amount of points in their past four games (seven) as they did in the first 12 matchdays.

Earlier, Jurgen Klinsmann claimed a second straight 1-0 win in charge of Hertha Berlin as Karim Rekik's second-half goal was enough to beat Bayern Leverkusen.

The three points move Hertha four points away from the relegation zone.

Peter Bosz's side are seventh after a second straight defeat.

Klinsmann, appointed at the end of November, made one change from Saturday's victory over Freiburg with Norway midfielder Per Skjelbred starting instead of forward Vedad Ibisevic.

Bosz gave Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/netherlands-shock-stunned-germany-in-4-2-comeback-win-248233">Jonathan Tah</a> a first start since November after the defender missed two games due to suspension.

Hosts Leverkusen dominated possession throughout much of the game, but Hertha had the best of the scoring chances, frequently breaking on the counter.

Hertha's Javairo Dilrosun had the best chance of the first half, with his left-foot shot in the 20th minute agonisingly close to goal.

For the home side, Moussa Diaby looked the most dangerous down the right-wing.

The visitors got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute after defender Rekik made the most of a second shot at goal after his first effort was kept out by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season.

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season. Bayern's Serge Gnabry added another in the final minute of injury time to put the result beyond doubt, crushing the hopes of a dogged and determined home side. It was business as usual early for Bayern, with Philippe Coutinho's chip over goalkeeper Mark Flekken cleared off the line after just two minutes. In the 16th minute, 19-year-old Canadian Alphonso Davies put in a superb cross from the left-wing, with Robert Lewandowski on the spot to open the scoring. It was Lewandowski's 19th league goal of the season – and the sixth time he opened the scoring for Munich this campaign. The goal seemed to calm Bayern, with the Bavarians content to dominate possession without making too many incursions into the Freiburg end. After the half-time break, Freiburg showed the form that has taken them to sixth in the table, catching Bayern on the counter to create several half chances. Vincenzo Grifo equalised in the 59th minute, nailing Janik Haberer's cross to give Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer no chance. Freiburg had several chances to take the lead as the clock ran down, with Bayern's players visibly shaken by the home team's relentless pressing. The win sees Bayern go into third place, four points behind Leipzig and Borussia Moenchengladbach. ⏱️ 90: Subs on Joshua Zirkzee ⏱️ 90+2: Joshua Zirkzee makes it 2-1 🤷‍♂️#SCFFCB pic.twitter.com/pIqsxRrddN — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 18, 2019 × Moenchengladbach overcame their recent poor form to defeat relegation favourites Paderborn 2-0 through a goal from Alassane Plea and a penalty from Lars Stindl. Gladbach scored immediately after the break, with Plea's goal coming just 13 seconds into the second half to make it Gladbach's best start to the season in 42 years. Wolfsburg left it late to equalise at home to Schalke, Kevin Mbabu scoring in the 82nd minute to cancel out a 51st-minute strike from Ozan Kabak. In Frankfurt, Cologne continued their excellent recent run of form, beating Eintracht 4-2 through three second-half goals. After starting the season in terrible form, Cologne have now claimed the same amount of points in their past four games (seven) as they did in the first 12 matchdays. Earlier, Jurgen Klinsmann claimed a second straight 1-0 win in charge of Hertha Berlin as Karim Rekik's second-half goal was enough to beat Bayern Leverkusen. The three points move Hertha four points away from the relegation zone. Peter Bosz's side are seventh after a second straight defeat. Klinsmann, appointed at the end of November, made one change from Saturday's victory over Freiburg with Norway midfielder Per Skjelbred starting instead of forward Vedad Ibisevic. Bosz gave Germany's Jonathan Tah a first start since November after the defender missed two games due to suspension. Hosts Leverkusen dominated possession throughout much of the game, but Hertha had the best of the scoring chances, frequently breaking on the counter. Hertha's Javairo Dilrosun had the best chance of the first half, with his left-foot shot in the 20th minute agonisingly close to goal. For the home side, Moussa Diaby looked the most dangerous down the right-wing. The visitors got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute after defender Rekik made the most of a second shot at goal after his first effort was kept out by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

Football: Teenager Zirkzee sparks Bayern's winning late show

Lawmakers in Germany reached a hard-fought compromise on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nation-climate-talks-a-lost-opportunity-un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-268421">carbon pricing</a> early on Monday, breaking a parliamentary deadlock on the government's much-disputed climate policy reforms.

In a gruelling six-hour meeting that ended in the small hours, they agreed that businesses will pay 25 euros ($28) per tonne of carbon they use from January 2021 -- more than double the initially proposed rate.&nbsp;

The new rate -- fiercely opposed by business lobbies -- is set to increase to 55 euros per tonne by 2025, before eventually being incorporated into an EU-wide carbon trading system.

The breakthrough renewed hope that Angela Merkel's government can pass its four-part climate reform package before Christmas.

The package, which also includes plans to reduce rail prices and raise taxes on air travel, was broadly approved by both chambers of the German parliament last month.

Yet a dispute over the cost of the new policies meant that regional representatives in the upper house blocked certain elements of the bill, forcing the government and federal states to return to the negotiating table.&nbsp;

Merkel's government has faced criticism since it presented the new climate package in September, with environmental NGOs and opposition parties claiming it lacks ambition.&nbsp;

Annalena Baerbock, co-leader of the opposition Green Party, said "much, much more" was necessary after Monday's breakthrough.

Meanwhile business groups sounded the alarm over the carbon price increase.

"The planned increase in CO2 prices threatens to drastically worsen competitiveness" in Germany, Federation of German Industry (BDI) deputy director Holger Loesch said Monday, calling for companies to be compensated for the additional costs.

"For the energy transition to succeed, significant investments are needed from businesses and households," he added, warning politicians "not to keep restricting the necessary freedom of action".

Wolfgang Grosse Entrup of the VCI chemical industry federation said "the warning light is blinking red for competitiveness" after the carbon price decision.

"Politicians can't sell companies that are in international competition down the river," he urged, calling also for a compensation mechanism.

Lawmakers in Germany reached a hard-fought compromise on carbon pricing early on Monday, breaking a parliamentary deadlock on the government's much-disputed climate policy reforms.

Lawmakers in Germany reached a hard-fought compromise on carbon pricing early on Monday, breaking a parliamentary deadlock on the government's much-disputed climate policy reforms. In a gruelling six-hour meeting that ended in the small hours, they agreed that businesses will pay 25 euros ($28) per tonne of carbon they use from January 2021 -- more than double the initially proposed rate. The new rate -- fiercely opposed by business lobbies -- is set to increase to 55 euros per tonne by 2025, before eventually being incorporated into an EU-wide carbon trading system. The breakthrough renewed hope that Angela Merkel's government can pass its four-part climate reform package before Christmas. The package, which also includes plans to reduce rail prices and raise taxes on air travel, was broadly approved by both chambers of the German parliament last month. Yet a dispute over the cost of the new policies meant that regional representatives in the upper house blocked certain elements of the bill, forcing the government and federal states to return to the negotiating table. Merkel's government has faced criticism since it presented the new climate package in September, with environmental NGOs and opposition parties claiming it lacks ambition. Annalena Baerbock, co-leader of the opposition Green Party, said "much, much more" was necessary after Monday's breakthrough. Meanwhile business groups sounded the alarm over the carbon price increase. "The planned increase in CO2 prices threatens to drastically worsen competitiveness" in Germany, Federation of German Industry (BDI) deputy director Holger Loesch said Monday, calling for companies to be compensated for the additional costs. "For the energy transition to succeed, significant investments are needed from businesses and households," he added, warning politicians "not to keep restricting the necessary freedom of action". Wolfgang Grosse Entrup of the VCI chemical industry federation said "the warning light is blinking red for competitiveness" after the carbon price decision. "Politicians can't sell companies that are in international competition down the river," he urged, calling also for a compensation mechanism.

German parliament agrees on CO2 pricing deal after gruelling meeting

Germany on Thursday called Russia's decision to expel its diplomates "unjustified", warning that Berlin could take "further action" in this escalating issue.

"The German government notes with regret the Russian government's decision to declare two employees of the German embassy in Moscow personae non-gratae," Germany's foreign ministry said in a statement.

It further said that Russia's action "sends the wrong signal and is unjustified."

Last week, Germany expelled two Russian envoys of what it claims non-cooperation in the investigation of the murder of a Georgian in Germany where prosecutors suspect Russian or Chechen involvement.&nbsp;

In a retaliatory move, Moscow expelled two German envoys.&nbsp;

On August 23, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian national, was shot dead allegedly by a Russian man in Kleiner Tiergarten park in Berlin. The accused who shot at the head of the Georgian was arrested shortly after the incident.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Germany on Thursday called Russia's decision to expel its diplomates "unjustified", warning that Berlin could take "further action" in this escalating issue. "The German government notes with regret the Russian government's decision to declare two employees of the German embassy in Moscow personae non-gratae," Germany's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Germany on Thursday called Russia's decision to expel its diplomates "unjustified", warning that Berlin could take "further action" in this escalating issue. "The German government notes with regret the Russian government's decision to declare two employees of the German embassy in Moscow personae non-gratae," Germany's foreign ministry said in a statement. It further said that Russia's action "sends the wrong signal and is unjustified." Last week, Germany expelled two Russian envoys of what it claims non-cooperation in the investigation of the murder of a Georgian in Germany where prosecutors suspect Russian or Chechen involvement. In a retaliatory move, Moscow expelled two German envoys. On August 23, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian national, was shot dead allegedly by a Russian man in Kleiner Tiergarten park in Berlin. The accused who shot at the head of the Georgian was arrested shortly after the incident. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Russia's action to expel our diplomats 'unjustified': Germany

To avoid bringing swine fever into the country and affect the flourishing pork industry, Germany is taking a host of measures that include using drones, sniffer dogs and electrified fences.&nbsp;

The swine fever is not considered harmful to human health but can cause deadly bleeding in domestic pigs and boars.&nbsp;

Nearly 50 per cent of Germany's pork production which is five million tonnes goes to foreign markets, which makes it Europe's biggest exporter of the meat.&nbsp;

Even a single case of swine fever could wreak havoc and cause losses worth billions of euros.&nbsp;

"The probability that countries like China impose a total import ban is very high," said Sarah Dhem, a representative of Germany's meat products association.

Dhem also gave an example of last year when a few cases detected in Belgium led to a total Chinese import ban.&nbsp;

The farmers started becoming tensed when swine fever was detected at a pig farm in western Poland in November.&nbsp;

Drones and sniffer dogs

Alarms were raised when a boar caught fever near the town of Nowogrod Bobrzanski, just 40 kilometres from the German border.&nbsp;

In Saarland, close to French border, packs of sniffer dogs are being placed to find dead pigs in order to quickly remove any potential carriers of the virus.

In Saxony, which neighbours Poland, vets and emergency workers are conducting drills in case of an outbreak. They are also using drones and infrared cameras to find sick boars.&nbsp;

Electrified fences extending to 50 kms are being prepared in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, to stop boars entering the German side of the border with Poland.&nbsp;

As a precautionary step, Denmark is also putting up a fence along its own 70-kilometre border with Germany.&nbsp;

The irony, however, is the cases of swine fever in China has benefitted the German pork industry and caused import prices to jump up. 
&nbsp;

To avoid bringing swine fever into the country and affect the flourishing pork industry, Germany is taking a host of measures that include using drones, sniffer dogs and electrified fences.

To avoid bringing swine fever into the country and affect the flourishing pork industry, Germany is taking a host of measures that include using drones, sniffer dogs and electrified fences. The swine fever is not considered harmful to human health but can cause deadly bleeding in domestic pigs and boars. Nearly 50 per cent of Germany's pork production which is five million tonnes goes to foreign markets, which makes it Europe's biggest exporter of the meat. Even a single case of swine fever could wreak havoc and cause losses worth billions of euros. "The probability that countries like China impose a total import ban is very high," said Sarah Dhem, a representative of Germany's meat products association. Dhem also gave an example of last year when a few cases detected in Belgium led to a total Chinese import ban. The farmers started becoming tensed when swine fever was detected at a pig farm in western Poland in November. Drones and sniffer dogs Alarms were raised when a boar caught fever near the town of Nowogrod Bobrzanski, just 40 kilometres from the German border. In Saarland, close to French border, packs of sniffer dogs are being placed to find dead pigs in order to quickly remove any potential carriers of the virus. In Saxony, which neighbours Poland, vets and emergency workers are conducting drills in case of an outbreak. They are also using drones and infrared cameras to find sick boars. Electrified fences extending to 50 kms are being prepared in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, to stop boars entering the German side of the border with Poland. As a precautionary step, Denmark is also putting up a fence along its own 70-kilometre border with Germany. The irony, however, is the cases of swine fever in China has benefitted the German pork industry and caused import prices to jump up.

Drones, sniffer dogs, electrified fences: How Germany is preparing to avoid swine fever

Napoli sacked Carlo Ancelotti, one of Europe's most successful coaches, on Tuesday, three hours after the Serie A club beat Genk 4-0 to qualify for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-hold-on-against-lille-to-advance-in-champions-league-267628">Champions League</a> round of 16 and end a nine-match winless run.

The club confirmed it had dismissed the 60-year-old coach, who has won domestic league titles in England, France, Germany and Italy and the Champions League three times, in a statement on Twitter.

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La Societa Sportiva Calcio Napoli ha deciso di revocare l’incarico di responsabile tecnico della prima squadra al signor Carlo Ancelotti. 
Rimangono intatti i rapporti di amicizia, stima e rispetto reciproco tra la società, il suo presidente Aurelio De Laurentiis e Carlo Ancelotti
— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) <a href="https://twitter.com/sscnapoli/status/1204530838588854272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He had been in charge for just under one-and-a-half seasons.

"Napoli has decided to revoke the position of first-team coach from Carlo Ancelotti," it read. "The relationship of friendship, esteem and mutual respect between the club, its president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Carlo Ancelotti remain intact."

The decision followed a tense few weeks at the club during which Ancelotti criticised a decision by De Laurentiis, Napoli's flamboyant owner, to confine the team to a training-camp for a week.

The players broke off the camp halfway through, refusing to stay in the hotel although they continued to train.

At the same time, Napoli, runners-up in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/see-you-soon-in-italy-ibrahimovic-fuels-talk-of-serie-a-return-266184">Serie A</a> for three of the last four seasons, suffered a slump in form which saw them drop to seventh in Serie A and out of the title race.

Ancelotti's dismissal had been widely predicted by the Italian media who said Napoli had lined up Gennaro Gattuso, fired by AC Milan at the end of last season, as his replacement.

Ancelotti described their Champions League campaign, which saw them complete Group E unbeaten, as "one of the few satisfactions we’ve had this season and much of that is our fault."

He has denied throughout that there has been conflict within the squad or between the players and the club's management.

"The problem here is that the team has not been able to express its full value, but there were no clashes, apart from isolated incidents that happen everywhere," he said.

Ancelotti was hired to replace Maurizio Sarri and his arrival, after nine years' coaching abroad, was regarded as a major coup by De Laurentiis who rescued Napoli from bankruptcy in 2004 and turned them into Serie A title contenders.

Sarri had turned Napoli into the neutrals’ favourite thanks to their flowing, attractive football but they always fell short of Juventus, who have won eight successive Serie A titles.

Napoli hoped that Ancelotti, who was also sacked in his previous job at Bayern Munich after less than two seasons, could give them the killer punch they had lacked under Sarri.

After finishing second last season while overhauling the side, Ancelotti had said he was ready to launch a serious bid for the title this term.

Yet their campaign imploded amid a run of matches which saw them miss chances, concede sloppy goals and the normally-placid Ancelotti sent off for disputing a VAR decision.

Napoli sacked Carlo Ancelotti, one of Europe's most successful coaches, on Tuesday, three hours after the Serie A club beat Genk 4-0 to qualify for the Champions League round of 16 and end a nine-match winless run.

Napoli sacked Carlo Ancelotti, one of Europe's most successful coaches, on Tuesday, three hours after the Serie A club beat Genk 4-0 to qualify for the Champions League round of 16 and end a nine-match winless run. The club confirmed it had dismissed the 60-year-old coach, who has won domestic league titles in England, France, Germany and Italy and the Champions League three times, in a statement on Twitter. La Societa Sportiva Calcio Napoli ha deciso di revocare l’incarico di responsabile tecnico della prima squadra al signor Carlo Ancelotti. Rimangono intatti i rapporti di amicizia, stima e rispetto reciproco tra la società, il suo presidente Aurelio De Laurentiis e Carlo Ancelotti — Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) December 10, 2019 × He had been in charge for just under one-and-a-half seasons. "Napoli has decided to revoke the position of first-team coach from Carlo Ancelotti," it read. "The relationship of friendship, esteem and mutual respect between the club, its president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Carlo Ancelotti remain intact." The decision followed a tense few weeks at the club during which Ancelotti criticised a decision by De Laurentiis, Napoli's flamboyant owner, to confine the team to a training-camp for a week. The players broke off the camp halfway through, refusing to stay in the hotel although they continued to train. At the same time, Napoli, runners-up in Serie A for three of the last four seasons, suffered a slump in form which saw them drop to seventh in Serie A and out of the title race. Ancelotti's dismissal had been widely predicted by the Italian media who said Napoli had lined up Gennaro Gattuso, fired by AC Milan at the end of last season, as his replacement. Ancelotti described their Champions League campaign, which saw them complete Group E unbeaten, as "one of the few satisfactions we’ve had this season and much of that is our fault." He has denied throughout that there has been conflict within the squad or between the players and the club's management. "The problem here is that the team has not been able to express its full value, but there were no clashes, apart from isolated incidents that happen everywhere," he said. Ancelotti was hired to replace Maurizio Sarri and his arrival, after nine years' coaching abroad, was regarded as a major coup by De Laurentiis who rescued Napoli from bankruptcy in 2004 and turned them into Serie A title contenders. Sarri had turned Napoli into the neutrals’ favourite thanks to their flowing, attractive football but they always fell short of Juventus, who have won eight successive Serie A titles. Napoli hoped that Ancelotti, who was also sacked in his previous job at Bayern Munich after less than two seasons, could give them the killer punch they had lacked under Sarri. After finishing second last season while overhauling the side, Ancelotti had said he was ready to launch a serious bid for the title this term. Yet their campaign imploded amid a run of matches which saw them miss chances, concede sloppy goals and the normally-placid Ancelotti sent off for disputing a VAR decision.

Napoli sack coach Ancelotti after reaching Champions League last 16

A racoon became a media star in Germany on Saturday (December 7) after it was spotted near a Christmas market in what witnesses described as a "drunken" state.

Was dazed and confused German racoon drunk before being shot dead?

Giant panda cubs born at Berlin zoo last September had their first public appearance during a naming ceremony on Monday, 100 days after they were born.

Berlin panda cubs make long awaited first public appearance

Social media can be used for just about anything and the same is proved by a German hospital who has a heavy presence online and has its staff post <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-apologises-to-us-teen-for-removing-viral-eyelash-curling-video-264983">TikTok videos</a> to recruit new trainees and personnel.&nbsp;

Klinikum Dortmund, a municipal hospital in Germany Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, has doctors and health practitioners who switch roles when they are seen busy lip-syncing and dancing to some of the iconic tunes - like the BeeGees chartbusting number 'Stayin Alive'.

The health practitioners even use medical tools as props while they shoot entertaining videos and post on TikTok to woo new talent.&nbsp;

Social media has become the primary and the only recruiting tool for the hospital. Who would want to spend large amount of money in putting up billboard advertisements or printing flyers when social media can solve the purpose, right?

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According to reports, the hospital's communication head learned about TikTok videos at a conference in New York and thought of this novel idea to attract new talent. The move almost always does the trick, luring applicants who learn about the hospital's online popularity and come in to seek employment.&nbsp;

TikTok, a video-sharing social networking application, has been making the headlines for its use to share video content by its users across the globe.&nbsp;

Just recently, it was in the news as after a US teen's TikTok video condemning Beijing's crackdown on Muslims in Xinjiang went viral.&nbsp;

In a post that has over 1.5 million views, Feroza Aziz talks about eyelash curling but quickly switches to decrying China's mass detention of ethnic Uighurs and other minorities in its far northwest.

Aziz claimed that she had been blocked from posting on the app for a month after uploading the clip and noted on Twitter that her video had been taken down.

Social media can be used for just about anything and the same is proved by a German hospital who has a heavy presence online and has its staff post TikTok videos to recruit new trainees and personnel.

Social media can be used for just about anything and the same is proved by a German hospital who has a heavy presence online and has its staff post TikTok videos to recruit new trainees and personnel. Klinikum Dortmund, a municipal hospital in Germany Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, has doctors and health practitioners who switch roles when they are seen busy lip-syncing and dancing to some of the iconic tunes - like the BeeGees chartbusting number 'Stayin Alive'. The health practitioners even use medical tools as props while they shoot entertaining videos and post on TikTok to woo new talent. Social media has become the primary and the only recruiting tool for the hospital. Who would want to spend large amount of money in putting up billboard advertisements or printing flyers when social media can solve the purpose, right? × According to reports, the hospital's communication head learned about TikTok videos at a conference in New York and thought of this novel idea to attract new talent. The move almost always does the trick, luring applicants who learn about the hospital's online popularity and come in to seek employment. TikTok, a video-sharing social networking application, has been making the headlines for its use to share video content by its users across the globe. Just recently, it was in the news as after a US teen's TikTok video condemning Beijing's crackdown on Muslims in Xinjiang went viral. In a post that has over 1.5 million views, Feroza Aziz talks about eyelash curling but quickly switches to decrying China's mass detention of ethnic Uighurs and other minorities in its far northwest. Aziz claimed that she had been blocked from posting on the app for a month after uploading the clip and noted on Twitter that her video had been taken down.

Now hiring! German hospital uses TikTok to recruit new talent 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-permits-state-aid-to-develop-electric-battery-giants-267202">EU leaders</a> will renew economic sanctions against Russia when they meet for a summit this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday.

Maas said he saw no reason to relax the measures imposed on Moscow over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions target whole sectors of the Russian economy, including its valuable oil and gas industries.

European measures were first put in place after Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people, and EU leaders have renewed them every six months ever since.

France is hosting a highly-anticipated four-way summit with Russia, Ukraine and Germany on Monday in the hope of making progress towards peace in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for a thaw between Europe and Russia, but Maas said it was too early to ease sanctions.

"We will continue what we thought was right so far,&nbsp;to extend the sanctions,&nbsp;because the reasons that led to the sanctions continue to exist," Maas said as he arrived for a meeting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-act-and-react-as-one-european-union-on-proposed-us-tariffs-on-french-goods-265977">EU foreign ministers</a> in Brussels.

"At the moment, for me there is no reason to change anything in the sanctions policy of the European Union towards Russia."

Monday's meeting in Paris of Macron, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the first so-called "Normandy Format" summit in three years.

It seeks to implement accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, wider autonomy for Donetsk and Lugansk, and the holding of local elections.

Thousands have been killed since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014, kicking off a conflict that deepened Russia's estrangement from the West.

The EU insists the Minsk accords must be implemented if sanctions are to be lifted or relaxed.

EU leaders will renew economic sanctions against Russia when they meet for a summit this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday. Maas said he saw no reason to relax the measures imposed on Moscow over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

EU leaders will renew economic sanctions against Russia when they meet for a summit this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday. Maas said he saw no reason to relax the measures imposed on Moscow over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions target whole sectors of the Russian economy, including its valuable oil and gas industries. European measures were first put in place after Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people, and EU leaders have renewed them every six months ever since. France is hosting a highly-anticipated four-way summit with Russia, Ukraine and Germany on Monday in the hope of making progress towards peace in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for a thaw between Europe and Russia, but Maas said it was too early to ease sanctions. "We will continue what we thought was right so far, to extend the sanctions, because the reasons that led to the sanctions continue to exist," Maas said as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. "At the moment, for me there is no reason to change anything in the sanctions policy of the European Union towards Russia." Monday's meeting in Paris of Macron, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the first so-called "Normandy Format" summit in three years. It seeks to implement accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, wider autonomy for Donetsk and Lugansk, and the holding of local elections. Thousands have been killed since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014, kicking off a conflict that deepened Russia's estrangement from the West. The EU insists the Minsk accords must be implemented if sanctions are to be lifted or relaxed.

European Union to prolong Russia sanctions: German minister

Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-conservatives-gather-for-stormy-congress-263787">Angela&nbsp;Merkel</a>&nbsp;crossed the gates of the former Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Poland on Friday for the first time in her 14 years as chancellor, promising to battle a new wave of anti-Semitism.

Merkel&nbsp;is only the third chancellor ever to visit the Nazi German camp where a million Jews were killed between 1940 and 1945 and which has come to symbolise the Holocaust as a whole.

Her trip, which comes ahead of the 75th anniversary of the camp's liberation by Soviet troops on January 27, is being seen as an important political message.

On the eve of her visit, 65-year-old&nbsp;Merkel&nbsp;said that "the fight against anti-Semitism and against all forms of hate" was a priority for her government.

She also hailed a new 60-million-euro ($66-million) donation for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation that was approved by Germany's federal states on Thursday.

Merkel&nbsp;began her visit by walking under the Nazi slogan "Arbeit macht frei" (Work will set you free) that still hangs over the gates of the camp.

She will also hold a minute's silence by the Death Wall where thousands of prisoners were shot dead and visit the site of a gas chamber and a crematorium.

The visit "is a particularly important signal of attention and solidarity at a time when Auschwitz survivors are victims of anti-Semitic insults and hate-filled emails," said Christoph Heubner, deputy chairman of the Auschwitz International Committee.

Merkel&nbsp;was accompanied during the visit by a survivor of the camp, 87-year-old Bogdan Stanislaw Bartnikowski, as well as Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Josef Schuster, head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, and Ronald Lauder, head of the World Jewish Congress, also took part in the visit.

In total, 1.1 million people were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau, including non-Jewish Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, Roma and anti-Nazi fighters.

Many were killed the same day they arrived at the camp.

"There is no other place of memory that demonstrates with such precision what happened during the Shoah," Schuster told AFP ahead of the visit.

Merkel&nbsp;follows in the footsteps of previous German chancellors Helmut Schmidt, who came in 1977, and Helmut Kohl, who visited in 1989 and 1995.

She has already visited several of the former camps in Germany over many years and has been to Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre five times.

In 2008, she became the first German leader to address the Israeli parliament. In that speech, she spoke of the "shame" that Germans still feel.

Merkel&nbsp;has called the Holocaust a "break with civilisation" and has voiced concern about the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany.

Her visit comes two months after an attack aimed at a synagogue in the eastern city of Halle in which two people were killed,&nbsp;part of a growing trend.

Police figures show that anti-Semitic offences rose by almost 10 percent in Germany last year from the previous year to 1,646-&nbsp;the highest level in a decade.

Germany's far-right AfD party, some of whose members have been accused of using anti-Semitic rhetoric, has called for a rethink of the way Germany remembers its Nazi past.

Senior AfD lawmaker Bjoern Hoecke has called for a "180-degree shift" in the culture of atonement.

The timing of the visit is also significant because of questions over&nbsp;Merkel's political future as tensions persist within the governing coalition.

German media reported that she wanted to make the trip ahead of any potential political crisis.

Merkel&nbsp;intends to step down at the end of her mandate in 2021 but there is a chance that the date could be brought forward if her junior coalition partners, the Social Democrats, pull out of the government.

Germany's Angela Merkel crossed the gates of the former Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Poland on Friday for the first time in her 14 years as chancellor, promising to battle a new wave of anti-Semitism.

Germany's Angela Merkel crossed the gates of the former Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Poland on Friday for the first time in her 14 years as chancellor, promising to battle a new wave of anti-Semitism. Merkel is only the third chancellor ever to visit the Nazi German camp where a million Jews were killed between 1940 and 1945 and which has come to symbolise the Holocaust as a whole. Her trip, which comes ahead of the 75th anniversary of the camp's liberation by Soviet troops on January 27, is being seen as an important political message. On the eve of her visit, 65-year-old Merkel said that "the fight against anti-Semitism and against all forms of hate" was a priority for her government. She also hailed a new 60-million-euro ($66-million) donation for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation that was approved by Germany's federal states on Thursday. Merkel began her visit by walking under the Nazi slogan "Arbeit macht frei" (Work will set you free) that still hangs over the gates of the camp. She will also hold a minute's silence by the Death Wall where thousands of prisoners were shot dead and visit the site of a gas chamber and a crematorium. The visit "is a particularly important signal of attention and solidarity at a time when Auschwitz survivors are victims of anti-Semitic insults and hate-filled emails," said Christoph Heubner, deputy chairman of the Auschwitz International Committee. Merkel was accompanied during the visit by a survivor of the camp, 87-year-old Bogdan Stanislaw Bartnikowski, as well as Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Josef Schuster, head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, and Ronald Lauder, head of the World Jewish Congress, also took part in the visit. In total, 1.1 million people were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau, including non-Jewish Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, Roma and anti-Nazi fighters. Many were killed the same day they arrived at the camp. "There is no other place of memory that demonstrates with such precision what happened during the Shoah," Schuster told AFP ahead of the visit. Merkel follows in the footsteps of previous German chancellors Helmut Schmidt, who came in 1977, and Helmut Kohl, who visited in 1989 and 1995. She has already visited several of the former camps in Germany over many years and has been to Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre five times. In 2008, she became the first German leader to address the Israeli parliament. In that speech, she spoke of the "shame" that Germans still feel. Merkel has called the Holocaust a "break with civilisation" and has voiced concern about the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany. Her visit comes two months after an attack aimed at a synagogue in the eastern city of Halle in which two people were killed, part of a growing trend. Police figures show that anti-Semitic offences rose by almost 10 percent in Germany last year from the previous year to 1,646- the highest level in a decade. Germany's far-right AfD party, some of whose members have been accused of using anti-Semitic rhetoric, has called for a rethink of the way Germany remembers its Nazi past. Senior AfD lawmaker Bjoern Hoecke has called for a "180-degree shift" in the culture of atonement. The timing of the visit is also significant because of questions over Merkel's political future as tensions persist within the governing coalition. German media reported that she wanted to make the trip ahead of any potential political crisis. Merkel intends to step down at the end of her mandate in 2021 but there is a chance that the date could be brought forward if her junior coalition partners, the Social Democrats, pull out of the government.

Angela Merkel visits Auschwitz for first time

France face a major hurdle if they are to add the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wales-qualifies-for-euro-2020-belgium-netherlands-germany-secure-victories-in-final-qualifying-clash-263291">European Championship </a>to their World Cup crown after coming out in the same Euro 2020 group as Germany and reigning European champions Portugal in Saturday's draw in Bucharest.

Neither France nor Portugal were in Pot One for the 24-team competition being held in 12 cities across Europe, making them the dangerous teams to avoid for the top seeds.

In the event, they were all put together in a high-calibre Group F alongside Germany, who will play all their group games in Munich. That is where Joachim Loew's team will face France in their first match on June 16 and then Portugal on June 20.

"It is the hardest group, but we must accept it. It means we will have to be ready right away," said France coach Didier Deschamps.

Group F will be completed by one of the winners of the play-offs to be played next March, leaving open several possibilities including Hungary, who will play two games in Budapest should they make it.

France beat Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 2016 on home soil, before slumping in the final against Portugal.

With the four best third-placed sides all going through, it is very possible all three will progress to the last 16, but Loew is in no doubt France -- who followed their 1998 World Cup triumph by winning Euro 2000 -- are the strongest team.

"They are the world champions and have been getting stronger for the last three or four years. They are the group favourites," he said.

Home advantage?&nbsp;

Meanwhile, England were drawn with Croatia and the Czech Republic in Group D, with Gareth Southgate's team to play group games at Wembley, which will also host the semi-finals and the July 12 final.

That group will be completed by the team to emerge victorious from Path C in the play-offs -- either Serbia, Norway, Israel and Scotland. The latter have the added incentive of knowing they will play two games in Glasgow in the group stage should they qualify.

England faced the Czechs in qualifying, winning 5-0 at Wembley but suffering their only defeat of the campaign in Prague, losing 2-1 in October.

England will kick off at home to Croatia on June 14 in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which was won by the Croatians.

However, should England win their group they will have to play the Group F runners-up, setting up a possible clash with Germany, France or Portugal in the last 16.

Even if they win that, the draw is such that they could end up facing Spain in the quarter-finals.

When asked about the advantage of playing at Wembley, Southgate said: "Obviously eight or 10 teams have the advantage of home group matches, and we have only ever been to one semi-final so that doesn't become an advantage unless we get through two very complicated knockout matches as well. That is a long way down the line."

Southgate famously missed a penalty when England lost to Germany in a shootout at Wembley in the Euro 96 semi-finals, the last time they played a match at home in the tournament.

Wales head to Baku&nbsp;

Italy will face Turkey in Rome in the tournament's opening game on June 12, with Switzerland and Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales also in that section, Group A.

Wales will play two matches in far-flung Baku, starting with Switzerland on June 13. They played there this month, and won, against Azerbaijan in a qualifier.

"Obviously come the championships it will be six or seven months down the line but we know what to expect, the facilities were fantastic there, and I think it's also great for the fans that they have got two games there," said Wales boss Ryan Giggs.

Spain will play Sweden and Poland as well as a play-off winner in Group E, with Luis Enrique's team playing in Bilbao.

Finland will face two hosts, Denmark and Russia, as well as much-fancied Belgium in Group B at what will be their first Euro.

The Netherlands, on the rise after missing Euro 2016 and the last World Cup, face Ukraine and Austria along with another play-off winner in Group C.

Saint Petersburg, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Bucharest and Dublin will also host matches after UEFA decided to spread the Euro across the continent to mark the 60th anniversary of the first tournament in 1960. 
&nbsp;

France face a major hurdle if they are to add the European Championship to their World Cup crown after coming out in the same Euro 2020 group as Germany and reigning European champions Portugal in Saturday's draw in Bucharest.

France face a major hurdle if they are to add the European Championship to their World Cup crown after coming out in the same Euro 2020 group as Germany and reigning European champions Portugal in Saturday's draw in Bucharest. Neither France nor Portugal were in Pot One for the 24-team competition being held in 12 cities across Europe, making them the dangerous teams to avoid for the top seeds. In the event, they were all put together in a high-calibre Group F alongside Germany, who will play all their group games in Munich. That is where Joachim Loew's team will face France in their first match on June 16 and then Portugal on June 20. "It is the hardest group, but we must accept it. It means we will have to be ready right away," said France coach Didier Deschamps. Group F will be completed by one of the winners of the play-offs to be played next March, leaving open several possibilities including Hungary, who will play two games in Budapest should they make it. France beat Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 2016 on home soil, before slumping in the final against Portugal. With the four best third-placed sides all going through, it is very possible all three will progress to the last 16, but Loew is in no doubt France -- who followed their 1998 World Cup triumph by winning Euro 2000 -- are the strongest team. "They are the world champions and have been getting stronger for the last three or four years. They are the group favourites," he said. Home advantage? Meanwhile, England were drawn with Croatia and the Czech Republic in Group D, with Gareth Southgate's team to play group games at Wembley, which will also host the semi-finals and the July 12 final. That group will be completed by the team to emerge victorious from Path C in the play-offs -- either Serbia, Norway, Israel and Scotland. The latter have the added incentive of knowing they will play two games in Glasgow in the group stage should they qualify. England faced the Czechs in qualifying, winning 5-0 at Wembley but suffering their only defeat of the campaign in Prague, losing 2-1 in October. England will kick off at home to Croatia on June 14 in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which was won by the Croatians. However, should England win their group they will have to play the Group F runners-up, setting up a possible clash with Germany, France or Portugal in the last 16. Even if they win that, the draw is such that they could end up facing Spain in the quarter-finals. When asked about the advantage of playing at Wembley, Southgate said: "Obviously eight or 10 teams have the advantage of home group matches, and we have only ever been to one semi-final so that doesn't become an advantage unless we get through two very complicated knockout matches as well. That is a long way down the line." Southgate famously missed a penalty when England lost to Germany in a shootout at Wembley in the Euro 96 semi-finals, the last time they played a match at home in the tournament. Wales head to Baku Italy will face Turkey in Rome in the tournament's opening game on June 12, with Switzerland and Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales also in that section, Group A. Wales will play two matches in far-flung Baku, starting with Switzerland on June 13. They played there this month, and won, against Azerbaijan in a qualifier. "Obviously come the championships it will be six or seven months down the line but we know what to expect, the facilities were fantastic there, and I think it's also great for the fans that they have got two games there," said Wales boss Ryan Giggs. Spain will play Sweden and Poland as well as a play-off winner in Group E, with Luis Enrique's team playing in Bilbao. Finland will face two hosts, Denmark and Russia, as well as much-fancied Belgium in Group B at what will be their first Euro. The Netherlands, on the rise after missing Euro 2016 and the last World Cup, face Ukraine and Austria along with another play-off winner in Group C. Saint Petersburg, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Bucharest and Dublin will also host matches after UEFA decided to spread the Euro across the continent to mark the 60th anniversary of the first tournament in 1960.

Heavyweights France, Germany and Portugal drawn together for Euro 2020

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 28th, 2019

Euro farmers hit the road in protest; Watch this full report

The United States is to cut its contribution to NATO's operating budget, officials said Thursday, with Germany increasing payments as the alliance tries to appease President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-china-threatens-firm-countermeasures-264966">Donald Trump</a> ahead of a summit next week.

Trump has repeatedly criticised European members for freeloading on the US, singling out Germany,&nbsp;the continent's economic powerhouse, for lagging behind on an alliance commitment to spend at least two per cent of GDP on defence.

While most of Trump's anger has been focused on European national defence budgets, there has also been American grumbling about how much Washington contributes to NATO's own running costs, and the 29-member alliance has now agreed to a change.

"All allies have agreed a new cost-sharing formula. Under the new formula, cost shares attributed to most European allies and Canada will go up, while the US share will come down," a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-says-death-greatly-exaggerated-to-adopt-new-strategies-on-space-china-263436">NATO</a> official said.

"This is an important demonstration of allies' commitment to the alliance and to fairer burden-sharing."

The US currently pays 22.1 per cent of the NATO budget,&nbsp;which totalled $2.5 billion (2.37 billion euros) in 2019,&nbsp;and Germany 14.8 per cent, under a formula based on each country's gross national income.&nbsp;

Under the new agreement, the US will cut its contribution to 16.35 per cent of the total, Germany's will rise to the same level and other allies will pay more.

Though the sums involved are small in military terms,&nbsp;the 29 alliance members spent a total of nearly a trillion dollars on defence in 2018,&nbsp;not all allies are happy with the move.

Diplomats say France has refused to go along with the new arrangement and will keep its contribution the same at 10.5 per cent, arguing that the deal to change the figures was cooked up between Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel without properly consulting other allies.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is expected to announce new figures on Friday showing how much more allies have spent since Trump came to power in 2016 in a bid to improve the mood going into Wednesday's leaders' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-attend-nato-summit-in-london-days-before-uk-vote-262476">meeting in London</a>.

There are fears Trump will repeat his performance at the 2016 summit in Brussels, where he launched into an extraordinary public tirade during a breakfast meeting with Merkel, berating her for weak defence spending and accusing her of cosying up to Russia.

Adding to the clouds over the London gathering are French President Emmanuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-says-frances-macron-comments-on-nato-dangerous-261350">Macron's attack on NATO</a> as "brain dead" and ongoing tensions with fellow NATO ally Turkey over its purchase of Russian missiles and its military operation in northern Syria.

The United States is to cut its contribution to NATO's operating budget, officials said Thursday, with Germany increasing payments as the alliance tries to appease President Donald Trump ahead of a summit next week.

The United States is to cut its contribution to NATO's operating budget, officials said Thursday, with Germany increasing payments as the alliance tries to appease President Donald Trump ahead of a summit next week. Trump has repeatedly criticised European members for freeloading on the US, singling out Germany, the continent's economic powerhouse, for lagging behind on an alliance commitment to spend at least two per cent of GDP on defence. While most of Trump's anger has been focused on European national defence budgets, there has also been American grumbling about how much Washington contributes to NATO's own running costs, and the 29-member alliance has now agreed to a change. "All allies have agreed a new cost-sharing formula. Under the new formula, cost shares attributed to most European allies and Canada will go up, while the US share will come down," a NATO official said. "This is an important demonstration of allies' commitment to the alliance and to fairer burden-sharing." The US currently pays 22.1 per cent of the NATO budget, which totalled $2.5 billion (2.37 billion euros) in 2019, and Germany 14.8 per cent, under a formula based on each country's gross national income. Under the new agreement, the US will cut its contribution to 16.35 per cent of the total, Germany's will rise to the same level and other allies will pay more. Though the sums involved are small in military terms, the 29 alliance members spent a total of nearly a trillion dollars on defence in 2018, not all allies are happy with the move. Diplomats say France has refused to go along with the new arrangement and will keep its contribution the same at 10.5 per cent, arguing that the deal to change the figures was cooked up between Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel without properly consulting other allies. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is expected to announce new figures on Friday showing how much more allies have spent since Trump came to power in 2016 in a bid to improve the mood going into Wednesday's leaders' meeting in London. There are fears Trump will repeat his performance at the 2016 summit in Brussels, where he launched into an extraordinary public tirade during a breakfast meeting with Merkel, berating her for weak defence spending and accusing her of cosying up to Russia. Adding to the clouds over the London gathering are French President Emmanuel Macron's attack on NATO as "brain dead" and ongoing tensions with fellow NATO ally Turkey over its purchase of Russian missiles and its military operation in northern Syria.

US to cut spending on NATO budget, Germany to pay more

Farmers In France & Germany Have Shut Down Paris & Berlin.

Gravitas: Why are Europe's farmers protesting?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-coalition-in-crisis-talks-after-european-union-vote-debacle-221923">German Chancellor Angela Merkel </a>called on European countries on Wednesday to agree on a common approach towards China and the rollout of the next-generation 5G mobile network.

Some German lawmakers want to exclude <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/united-states-formally-charges-chinas-huawei-with-bank-fraud-stealing-trade-secrets-193545">China's Huawei </a>from 5G contracts, following warnings by the United States that this could lead to spying for Beijing. Huawei denies the allegations made by Washington.

Merkel prefers security standards to be the yardstick rather than singling out individual firms.

"One of the biggest dangers is that individual countries in Europe will have their own policies towards China and then mixed signals will be sent out," she told lawmakers in a budget debate in the Bundestag lower house on Wednesday.

"That would be disastrous not for China but for us in Europe," Merkel said, adding Germany and France must try to agree on a common approach first and a Europe-wide solution could be developed from that.

France will not follow the United States and exclude Huawei from its 5G network but will have the power to vet all equipment makers for any potential security threat, a minister said on Monday.

"It is undisputed that we need high-security standards in the expansion of 5G but just as we must define that for ourselves, we must also discuss it with other European partners," Merkel said.

All the telecom operators in Germany, which have close trading ties with China, are customers of Huawei and have warned that banning it would delay the launch of 5G networks.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on European countries on Wednesday to agree on a common approach towards China and the rollout of the next-generation 5G mobile network.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on European countries on Wednesday to agree on a common approach towards China and the rollout of the next-generation 5G mobile network. Some German lawmakers want to exclude China's Huawei from 5G contracts, following warnings by the United States that this could lead to spying for Beijing. Huawei denies the allegations made by Washington. Merkel prefers security standards to be the yardstick rather than singling out individual firms. "One of the biggest dangers is that individual countries in Europe will have their own policies towards China and then mixed signals will be sent out," she told lawmakers in a budget debate in the Bundestag lower house on Wednesday. "That would be disastrous not for China but for us in Europe," Merkel said, adding Germany and France must try to agree on a common approach first and a Europe-wide solution could be developed from that. France will not follow the United States and exclude Huawei from its 5G network but will have the power to vet all equipment makers for any potential security threat, a minister said on Monday. "It is undisputed that we need high-security standards in the expansion of 5G but just as we must define that for ourselves, we must also discuss it with other European partners," Merkel said. All the telecom operators in Germany, which have close trading ties with China, are customers of Huawei and have warned that banning it would delay the launch of 5G networks.

Merkel wants Europe to aim for joint stance on China and 5G

Heist at Green Vault museum in Eastern Germany. Watch video to know more.

Heist at Green Vault museum in Eastern Germany

Museum has over 4000 precious objects. To know more watch the video.

Great museum heist in Germany

Watch in WION Dispatch: Great museum heist in Germany. Watch this video as Ira Spitzer, WION's Correspondent from Berlin tells you more on this. #WIONDispatch

WION Dispatch: Great museum heist in Germany

A woman, who was believed to have joined Islamic State (IS) group returned back to Germany along with her three children, police said, reports&nbsp;an agency.&nbsp;

Laura is the first adult female member to return to Germany from Syria through official channels. The 30-year-old, who originally hailed from Hesse state arrived at Frankfurt airport on a flight from Erbil in Iraq late on Saturday.&nbsp;

As per a report by German newsweekly Spiegel, Laura was not immediately arrested on arrival but remains the subject of an investigation on suspicion of her membership to a terrorist organisation as well as failure to properly take care of her children.&nbsp;

The woman's passport has been confiscated and the two children are being entrusted to a close relative, the report added.&nbsp;

The weekly magazine also said that the woman travelled to Syria to join IS with her two children and husband, a Somalia-born US citizen.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The woman had already been linked to Salafist (Islamic fundamentalist) circles in Germany and she had also allegedly posted an online call for aid donation for Syria that in reality went to a fundamentalist organisation. Following her own capture by Kurdish forces and the reported killing of her husband, Laura claims to have turned away from IS ideology.&nbsp;

A US aid organisation helped Laura move to Erbil from from the Al-Hol prison camp in northeastern Syria, the weekly reported.&nbsp;

Kurdish authorities have repeatedly urged Western countries to accept their nationals linked to IS. So far, the countries have majorly avoided the repatriation.&nbsp;

Laura is the first adult who is repatriated to Germany, a country which has allowed a few orphans to return back.&nbsp;

After Turkey invaded northern Syria last month, a lot of people broke out from Kurdish-led jails and camps.&nbsp;

Two weeks earlier, Turkey said that it will repatriate seven captured IS fighters to Germany.

Austria, Belgium, Britain and France have repatriated some orphaned children. A number of women and children were accepted by the United States.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, an Albanian boy taken by his mother to join IS in Syria returned to his home in Italy.&nbsp;

Dozens of women and children were repatriated by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kosovo too.

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

A woman, who was believed to have joined Islamic State (IS) group returned back to Germany along with her three children, police said, reports an agency. Laura is the first adult female member to return to Germany from Syria through official channels.

A woman, who was believed to have joined Islamic State (IS) group returned back to Germany along with her three children, police said, reports an agency. Laura is the first adult female member to return to Germany from Syria through official channels. The 30-year-old, who originally hailed from Hesse state arrived at Frankfurt airport on a flight from Erbil in Iraq late on Saturday. As per a report by German newsweekly Spiegel, Laura was not immediately arrested on arrival but remains the subject of an investigation on suspicion of her membership to a terrorist organisation as well as failure to properly take care of her children. The woman's passport has been confiscated and the two children are being entrusted to a close relative, the report added. The weekly magazine also said that the woman travelled to Syria to join IS with her two children and husband, a Somalia-born US citizen. The woman had already been linked to Salafist (Islamic fundamentalist) circles in Germany and she had also allegedly posted an online call for aid donation for Syria that in reality went to a fundamentalist organisation. Following her own capture by Kurdish forces and the reported killing of her husband, Laura claims to have turned away from IS ideology. A US aid organisation helped Laura move to Erbil from from the Al-Hol prison camp in northeastern Syria, the weekly reported. Kurdish authorities have repeatedly urged Western countries to accept their nationals linked to IS. So far, the countries have majorly avoided the repatriation. Laura is the first adult who is repatriated to Germany, a country which has allowed a few orphans to return back. After Turkey invaded northern Syria last month, a lot of people broke out from Kurdish-led jails and camps. Two weeks earlier, Turkey said that it will repatriate seven captured IS fighters to Germany. Austria, Belgium, Britain and France have repatriated some orphaned children. A number of women and children were accepted by the United States. Earlier this month, an Albanian boy taken by his mother to join IS in Syria returned to his home in Italy. Dozens of women and children were repatriated by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kosovo too. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Suspected woman linked to Islamic State returned to Germany

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is in the pole position to succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor threatened to step down if the party doesn't back her, forcing the party to back her and pledge her loyalty.&nbsp;

"If you are of the view that the Germany I want is not the Germany you imagine, if you are of the view that the way I want to go with you is not the way you think is the right one, then let's speak today and let's end it today, here, now, said Kramp-Karrenbauer to delegates in a conference speech, responding to the criticism of her leadership.&nbsp;

Kramp-Karrenbauer was elected as the head of Christian Democratic Party (CDU) in December 2018 after Merkel announced to step down as party chief. However,&nbsp;Kramp-Karrenbauer has been in the middle of many controversies that have severely dented her popularity and raised questions of her suitability once Merkel leaves office as German chancellor.&nbsp;

"But, dear friends, if you want this Germany, if you want to take this path together ... then let's roll up our sleeves here and now and make a start," she added before delegates gave her a seven-minute standing ovation to support her.&nbsp;

The meeting was held under the banner of "Germany's strong middle" as the CDU aimed to regain its position where Greens have surged.&nbsp;

So far, the performance of Merkel's would-be successor has been under-par as the party&nbsp;suffered losses in the election to the European Parliament in May and setbacks in regional polls. An INSA poll on Monday predicted that CDU's popularity is down to 25 per cent from 32.9 per cent support it received in the 2017 federal election.&nbsp;

"It isn't and it hasn't been an easy year," she said.

Recent surveys indicate that Germans prefer Merz when it comes to who should&nbsp;succeed Merkel as chancellor at the next elections.

Kramp-Karrenbauer also in a veiled attack targetted&nbsp;64-year-old lawyer Friedrich Merz, who narrowly lost to her in last year's leadership vote. "To stand here as a party and say that everything we have done in the last 14 years was wrong is not a good election strategy," she warned.

Merz, who narrowly lost out to Kramp-Karrenbauer in last year's leadership vote, grabbed headlines recently when she described the performance of CDU-led government as "abysmal" and accused Merkel of poor leadership.&nbsp;

"They were and are 14 good years for Germany and we can all be proud of that,"&nbsp;Kramp-Karrenbauer said in her speech.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is in the pole position to succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor threatened to step down if the party doesn't back her, forcing the party to back her and pledge her loyalty.

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is in the pole position to succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor threatened to step down if the party doesn't back her, forcing the party to back her and pledge her loyalty. "If you are of the view that the Germany I want is not the Germany you imagine, if you are of the view that the way I want to go with you is not the way you think is the right one, then let's speak today and let's end it today, here, now, said Kramp-Karrenbauer to delegates in a conference speech, responding to the criticism of her leadership. Kramp-Karrenbauer was elected as the head of Christian Democratic Party (CDU) in December 2018 after Merkel announced to step down as party chief. However, Kramp-Karrenbauer has been in the middle of many controversies that have severely dented her popularity and raised questions of her suitability once Merkel leaves office as German chancellor. "But, dear friends, if you want this Germany, if you want to take this path together ... then let's roll up our sleeves here and now and make a start," she added before delegates gave her a seven-minute standing ovation to support her. The meeting was held under the banner of "Germany's strong middle" as the CDU aimed to regain its position where Greens have surged. So far, the performance of Merkel's would-be successor has been under-par as the party suffered losses in the election to the European Parliament in May and setbacks in regional polls. An INSA poll on Monday predicted that CDU's popularity is down to 25 per cent from 32.9 per cent support it received in the 2017 federal election. "It isn't and it hasn't been an easy year," she said. Recent surveys indicate that Germans prefer Merz when it comes to who should succeed Merkel as chancellor at the next elections. Kramp-Karrenbauer also in a veiled attack targetted 64-year-old lawyer Friedrich Merz, who narrowly lost to her in last year's leadership vote. "To stand here as a party and say that everything we have done in the last 14 years was wrong is not a good election strategy," she warned. Merz, who narrowly lost out to Kramp-Karrenbauer in last year's leadership vote, grabbed headlines recently when she described the performance of CDU-led government as "abysmal" and accused Merkel of poor leadership. "They were and are 14 good years for Germany and we can all be proud of that," Kramp-Karrenbauer said in her speech. (with inputs from agencies)

Angela Merkel's protege wins 'loyalty' after challenging critics

Great Britain joined Russia and Canada in the final four of tennis' new-look Davis Cup on Friday when they took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Germany.

Kyle Edmund beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5 in the first rubber with Daniel Evans taking three sets to see off Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2).

Andy Murray was rested on Friday but will likely feature in the semi-finals where they face the winner of Spain against Argentina.

Rafael Nadal pulled Spain level at 1-1 with Argentina with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Diego Schwartzman.

Guido Pella had put the Argentines ahead with a three-set victory over Pablo Carreno 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-1.

"I was serving well and was playing at a high level, so let's see how it goes," said Nadal when revealing he would line up in the doubles rubber late Friday.

Earlier Russia beat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-guides-serbia-into-davis-cup-quarter-finals-263723">Novak Djokovic's</a> Serbia to reach the semi-finals following a cliff-hanger match that went all the way to a deciding tie-breaker.

With the quarter-final level at 1-1 following the singles, the Russian pairing of Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev faced Djokovic and Viktor Troicki in the deciding rubber.

After a see-saw match of high drama, the Russians came out 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) winners and face Canada, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-hurting-hewitt-pans-davis-cup-scheduling-after-australia-eliminated-263860">quarter-final victors over Australia</a>, in Saturday's semi-finals.

"It was heads or tails and the coin fell on our side," Rublev said.

"God gave me a chance to be a hero," he added.

Kachanov was already looking forward to the next match.

"We'll have to get it together for Canada," he said of the semi-final.&nbsp;

"Luck was on our side here, but this was one of the biggest games of either our careers."

Earlier in the day, Rublev won the first singles over Filip Krajinovic 6-1, 6-2 to give Russia a lead, cancelled out later by Djokovic, who overcame Khachanov 6-3, 6-3.

The world No.2 Djokovic, winner of 16 Grand Slams said the match had been "a real roller-coaster of a game, very, very emotional and very tense".

"Sport&nbsp;is not all about winning and losing but this hurts me personally," said the 32-year-old.

"Anyway the season is over now, we'll get over it. Tomorrow is another day."

Great Britain joined Russia and Canada in the final four of tennis' new-look Davis Cup on Friday when they took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Germany. Kyle Edmund beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5 in the first rubber with Daniel Evans taking three sets to see off Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2).

Great Britain joined Russia and Canada in the final four of tennis' new-look Davis Cup on Friday when they took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Germany. Kyle Edmund beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5 in the first rubber with Daniel Evans taking three sets to see off Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2). Andy Murray was rested on Friday but will likely feature in the semi-finals where they face the winner of Spain against Argentina. Rafael Nadal pulled Spain level at 1-1 with Argentina with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Diego Schwartzman. Guido Pella had put the Argentines ahead with a three-set victory over Pablo Carreno 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-1. "I was serving well and was playing at a high level, so let's see how it goes," said Nadal when revealing he would line up in the doubles rubber late Friday. Earlier Russia beat Novak Djokovic's Serbia to reach the semi-finals following a cliff-hanger match that went all the way to a deciding tie-breaker. With the quarter-final level at 1-1 following the singles, the Russian pairing of Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev faced Djokovic and Viktor Troicki in the deciding rubber. After a see-saw match of high drama, the Russians came out 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) winners and face Canada, quarter-final victors over Australia, in Saturday's semi-finals. "It was heads or tails and the coin fell on our side," Rublev said. "God gave me a chance to be a hero," he added. Kachanov was already looking forward to the next match. "We'll have to get it together for Canada," he said of the semi-final. "Luck was on our side here, but this was one of the biggest games of either our careers." Earlier in the day, Rublev won the first singles over Filip Krajinovic 6-1, 6-2 to give Russia a lead, cancelled out later by Djokovic, who overcame Khachanov 6-3, 6-3. The world No.2 Djokovic, winner of 16 Grand Slams said the match had been "a real roller-coaster of a game, very, very emotional and very tense". "Sport is not all about winning and losing but this hurts me personally," said the 32-year-old. "Anyway the season is over now, we'll get over it. Tomorrow is another day."

Britain ease past Germany to join Russia, Canada in Davis Cup semis

Watch in WION Fineprint: Indian couple faces trial in Germany on spying charges. Watch this video to know more

WION Fineprint: Indian couple faces trial in Germany on spying charges

Rating agency Moody's on Thursday slashed its outlook for German banks from "stable" to "negative", warning their profitability and creditworthiness would "decline" in the coming months.

"Banks' weak profitability will decline further as net interest income falls" amid low or negative interest rates set by the European Central Bank, Moody's vice-president Bernhard Held said in a statement.

While banks must for now set aside little cash to cover the risk of borrowers falling behind on payments, such charges are "unsustainably low", he judged.

Especially smaller banks that rely on customers' deposits for their funding are seeing profits sapped by low rates, which have prompted many bosses to blast the ECB for the policy.

Moody's noted that German banks "have had very limited success in improving their high cost-to-income ratios", spending around 80 euro cents for each euro of revenue in 2018.

Meanwhile, risk-averse depositors prefer to heap up cash in savings accounts rather than opt for riskier investments like stocks -- building deposits up to 40 percent of the sector's assets.

As banks cannot always find ways -- such as lending -- to put that cash to work in the real economy, they deposit large amounts with the ECB, which presently inflicts a negative interest rate of -0.5 per cent.

Banks have even been attempting to fend off new clients from opening accounts, passing on the negative rates to savers.

One Bavarian cooperative bank recently became the first to charge a negative rate from the first euro deposited in a savings account.

Rating agency Moody's on Thursday slashed its outlook for German banks from "stable" to "negative", warning their profitability and creditworthiness would "decline" in the coming months.

Rating agency Moody's on Thursday slashed its outlook for German banks from "stable" to "negative", warning their profitability and creditworthiness would "decline" in the coming months. "Banks' weak profitability will decline further as net interest income falls" amid low or negative interest rates set by the European Central Bank, Moody's vice-president Bernhard Held said in a statement. While banks must for now set aside little cash to cover the risk of borrowers falling behind on payments, such charges are "unsustainably low", he judged. Especially smaller banks that rely on customers' deposits for their funding are seeing profits sapped by low rates, which have prompted many bosses to blast the ECB for the policy. Moody's noted that German banks "have had very limited success in improving their high cost-to-income ratios", spending around 80 euro cents for each euro of revenue in 2018. Meanwhile, risk-averse depositors prefer to heap up cash in savings accounts rather than opt for riskier investments like stocks -- building deposits up to 40 percent of the sector's assets. As banks cannot always find ways -- such as lending -- to put that cash to work in the real economy, they deposit large amounts with the ECB, which presently inflicts a negative interest rate of -0.5 per cent. Banks have even been attempting to fend off new clients from opening accounts, passing on the negative rates to savers. One Bavarian cooperative bank recently became the first to charge a negative rate from the first euro deposited in a savings account.

Moody's sees 'negative' outlook for German banks

An Indian couple accused of spying on Sikh and Kashmiri communities in Germany went on trial Thursday on charges that carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.&nbsp;

The suspects were charged in March and have been named as Manmohan S, 50, and his wife Kanwal Jit K, 51, in keeping with German privacy rules for defendants.

Their trial was being held in a court in Frankfurt.

"Manmohan S agreed... to provide information about Germany's Sikh community and Kashmir movement and their relatives to an employee of the Indian foreign intelligence service Research &amp; Analysis Wing," prosecutors said in a statement earlier this year.

His wife joined him in monthly meetings with the Indian intelligence officer between July and December 2017, and in total the couple were paid 7,200 euros ($8,100). 
Sikhs in Germany number between 10,000 and 20,000 - their third biggest community in Europe after Britain and Italy, according to the religious rights group REMID.

An Indian couple accused of spying on Sikh and Kashmiri communities in Germany went on trial Thursday on charges that carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

An Indian couple accused of spying on Sikh and Kashmiri communities in Germany went on trial Thursday on charges that carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The suspects were charged in March and have been named as Manmohan S, 50, and his wife Kanwal Jit K, 51, in keeping with German privacy rules for defendants. Their trial was being held in a court in Frankfurt. "Manmohan S agreed... to provide information about Germany's Sikh community and Kashmir movement and their relatives to an employee of the Indian foreign intelligence service Research & Analysis Wing," prosecutors said in a statement earlier this year. His wife joined him in monthly meetings with the Indian intelligence officer between July and December 2017, and in total the couple were paid 7,200 euros ($8,100). Sikhs in Germany number between 10,000 and 20,000 - their third biggest community in Europe after Britain and Italy, according to the religious rights group REMID.

Indian couple go on trial in Germany for spying on Sikhs

Wales reached their second straight European Championship finals after a goal in each half by midfielder Aaron Ramsey gave them a 2-0 home win over Hungary in their decisive Group E qualifier on Tuesday.

The Welsh, who reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals, finished runners-up on 14 points from eight games, three behind Croatia who sealed their berth on Saturday with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatia-thump-hungary-to-stay-on-course-slovakia-hold-wales-255125">3-1 win over Slovakia</a>.

Having previously gone 58 years without reaching a major tournament after the 1958 World Cup, there were joyous scenes at the Cardiff City Stadium as Wales produced a dominant display to wrap up qualification.

Both sides needed victory to progress and Wales drew first blood when Ramsey rose to head home from six metres in the 15th minute after a perfect Gareth Bale cross from the right.

With Hungary pressing for an equaliser, goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a crucial double save in the 34th minute when he parried a Dominik Szoboszlai shot from eight metres and then smothered Roland Sallai’s follow up.

Ramsey, who tore Hungary's midfield apart with crisp passing, struck again in the 47th with a close-range drive into the top corner after Kieffer Moore scrambled a Ben Davies free-kick into his path.

Hungary were fortunate not to concede more goals as Daniel James curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area inches wide before Hungary keeper Peter Gulacsi denied Ramsey a hat-trick with a reflex save.

The Hungarians will have another chance to reach next year's 24-nation tournament via the playoffs and so will Slovakia, who beat Azerbaijan 2-0 at home in the group's other fixture.

Belgium thrashes Cyprus&nbsp;

Christian Benteke and Kevin De Bruyne scored two goals each as Belgium thrashed Cyprus 6-1 in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/belgium-first-team-into-euro-2020-finals-after-9-0-win-255114">Belgium finish top of their pool</a> with a perfect 10 wins from 10 games, scoring 40 goals in the process, as Yannick Carrasco and an own goal from Kypros Christoforou completed the rout of Cyprus.

The visitors had silenced their hosts with an early strike as Nicholas Ioannou drilled the ball into the corner of the net, but the Belgium supporters were soon back on their feet after an exhibition from their side after that.

Carrasco’s excellent pass provided the opportunity for Benteke to level the score before Cyprus goalkeeper Michael Neofytos somehow allowed De Bruyne’s weak shot to squirm past him.

Carrasco was the provider again as he teed-up De Bruyne to complete a brace before the former grabbed the goal his performance deserved a minute before the break after burying his shot from Eden Hazard's pass.

There was little let-up in the second period as Belgium continued to dominate, with Christoforou putting the ball into his own net and Benteke adding the sixth.

Wijnaldum hat-trick drives the Netherlands to easy win over Estonia

Georginio Wijnaldum struck a hat-trick as the Netherlands, who had already <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/germany-netherlands-croatia-qualify-for-euro-2020-262653">booked a spot at Euro 2020</a>, eased to a 5-0 victory over Estonia in their final Group C qualifying clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Tuesday.

The home side were in complete control of the contest from early on, with defender Nathan Ake and 18-year-old debutant Myron Boadu also among the goals, as they finished second in the standings with 19 points from eight games, two behind group winners Germany.

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said before the game that he would experiment with team selection and stuck to his word, with livewire Quincy Promes converted to right-back, and AZ Alkmaar forward Calvin Stengs, 20, handed a debut from the start.

It took the home side just six minutes to hit the front, as Promes was afforded far too much space on the right and his delivery was headed back across goal and into the net by Wijnaldum, who netted eight times in his seven matches in the qualifiers.

Netherlands dominated possession and launched wave after wave of attacks. They were rewarded for their endeavour with a second goal as Ake headed in a cross from Memphis Depay.

There was little to enthuse over in the opening 20 minutes of the second period but the Netherlands got their third when Stengs robbed the ball off Estonia defender Karol Mets and set up Wijnaldum for his second.

Captain for the night, Wijnaldum then collected a pass from Stengs to complete his hat-trick, before AZ forward Boadu came off the bench to net the fifth.

Germany crush Northern Ireland with Gnabry treble to top group

Serge Gnabry scored a hat-trick as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ginter-the-inspiration-as-germany-clinch-euro-2020-spot-262834">already-qualified Germany</a> came from a goal down to crush Northern Ireland 6-1 in their final Euro 2020 qualifier to finish top of Group C on Tuesday.

It was a successful end to a difficult year for Germany, seeking to overhaul the team after last year's shock World Cup first-round exit and Nations League relegation.

They qualified, having won seven of their eight qualifiers and losing once to the Netherlands.

With qualification already sealed after Saturday's 4-0 victory over Belarus, Germany showed no nerves and quickly cancelled out Michael Smith's shock eighth-minute opener for the visitors with Gnabry's fine turn and shot in the 19th.

Leon Goretzka's 43rd-minute goal put Germany ahead before Gnabry then drilled in their third straight after the restart.

The 24-year-old winger completed his hat-trick on the hour to take his tally to 13 goals in 13 internationals. Goretzka then fired in from 20 metres to crown his own fine performance.

Julian Brandt completed the rout in stoppage time as the Germans finished on 21 points, two ahead of the second-placed Dutch, while Northern Ireland ended the qualifying campaign in third place on 13 points and will go into the playoffs. 
&nbsp;

Wales reached their second straight European Championship finals after a goal in each half by midfielder Aaron Ramsey gave them a 2-0 home win over Hungary in their decisive Group E qualifier on Tuesday.

Wales reached their second straight European Championship finals after a goal in each half by midfielder Aaron Ramsey gave them a 2-0 home win over Hungary in their decisive Group E qualifier on Tuesday. The Welsh, who reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals, finished runners-up on 14 points from eight games, three behind Croatia who sealed their berth on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Slovakia. Having previously gone 58 years without reaching a major tournament after the 1958 World Cup, there were joyous scenes at the Cardiff City Stadium as Wales produced a dominant display to wrap up qualification. Both sides needed victory to progress and Wales drew first blood when Ramsey rose to head home from six metres in the 15th minute after a perfect Gareth Bale cross from the right. With Hungary pressing for an equaliser, goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a crucial double save in the 34th minute when he parried a Dominik Szoboszlai shot from eight metres and then smothered Roland Sallai’s follow up. Ramsey, who tore Hungary's midfield apart with crisp passing, struck again in the 47th with a close-range drive into the top corner after Kieffer Moore scrambled a Ben Davies free-kick into his path. Hungary were fortunate not to concede more goals as Daniel James curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area inches wide before Hungary keeper Peter Gulacsi denied Ramsey a hat-trick with a reflex save. The Hungarians will have another chance to reach next year's 24-nation tournament via the playoffs and so will Slovakia, who beat Azerbaijan 2-0 at home in the group's other fixture. Belgium thrashes Cyprus Christian Benteke and Kevin De Bruyne scored two goals each as Belgium thrashed Cyprus 6-1 in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Tuesday. Belgium finish top of their pool with a perfect 10 wins from 10 games, scoring 40 goals in the process, as Yannick Carrasco and an own goal from Kypros Christoforou completed the rout of Cyprus. The visitors had silenced their hosts with an early strike as Nicholas Ioannou drilled the ball into the corner of the net, but the Belgium supporters were soon back on their feet after an exhibition from their side after that. Carrasco’s excellent pass provided the opportunity for Benteke to level the score before Cyprus goalkeeper Michael Neofytos somehow allowed De Bruyne’s weak shot to squirm past him. Carrasco was the provider again as he teed-up De Bruyne to complete a brace before the former grabbed the goal his performance deserved a minute before the break after burying his shot from Eden Hazard's pass. There was little let-up in the second period as Belgium continued to dominate, with Christoforou putting the ball into his own net and Benteke adding the sixth. Wijnaldum hat-trick drives the Netherlands to easy win over Estonia Georginio Wijnaldum struck a hat-trick as the Netherlands, who had already booked a spot at Euro 2020, eased to a 5-0 victory over Estonia in their final Group C qualifying clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Tuesday. The home side were in complete control of the contest from early on, with defender Nathan Ake and 18-year-old debutant Myron Boadu also among the goals, as they finished second in the standings with 19 points from eight games, two behind group winners Germany. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said before the game that he would experiment with team selection and stuck to his word, with livewire Quincy Promes converted to right-back, and AZ Alkmaar forward Calvin Stengs, 20, handed a debut from the start. It took the home side just six minutes to hit the front, as Promes was afforded far too much space on the right and his delivery was headed back across goal and into the net by Wijnaldum, who netted eight times in his seven matches in the qualifiers. Netherlands dominated possession and launched wave after wave of attacks. They were rewarded for their endeavour with a second goal as Ake headed in a cross from Memphis Depay. There was little to enthuse over in the opening 20 minutes of the second period but the Netherlands got their third when Stengs robbed the ball off Estonia defender Karol Mets and set up Wijnaldum for his second. Captain for the night, Wijnaldum then collected a pass from Stengs to complete his hat-trick, before AZ forward Boadu came off the bench to net the fifth. Germany crush Northern Ireland with Gnabry treble to top group Serge Gnabry scored a hat-trick as already-qualified Germany came from a goal down to crush Northern Ireland 6-1 in their final Euro 2020 qualifier to finish top of Group C on Tuesday. It was a successful end to a difficult year for Germany, seeking to overhaul the team after last year's shock World Cup first-round exit and Nations League relegation. They qualified, having won seven of their eight qualifiers and losing once to the Netherlands. With qualification already sealed after Saturday's 4-0 victory over Belarus, Germany showed no nerves and quickly cancelled out Michael Smith's shock eighth-minute opener for the visitors with Gnabry's fine turn and shot in the 19th. Leon Goretzka's 43rd-minute goal put Germany ahead before Gnabry then drilled in their third straight after the restart. The 24-year-old winger completed his hat-trick on the hour to take his tally to 13 goals in 13 internationals. Goretzka then fired in from 20 metres to crown his own fine performance. Julian Brandt completed the rout in stoppage time as the Germans finished on 21 points, two ahead of the second-placed Dutch, while Northern Ireland ended the qualifying campaign in third place on 13 points and will go into the playoffs.

Wales qualifies for Euro 202; Belgium, Netherlands, Germany secure victories in final qualifying clash

Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 on Saturday to clinch their place at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/soccer-ronaldo-moves-onto-99-as-portugal-qualify-for-euro-2020-262792">Euro 2020</a>, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row.

The inspired Ginter broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a clever backheel, provided a dummy which allowed Leon Goreztka to score the second and the pass for Toni Kroos to add the third.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved a penalty from Igor Stasevich in the 75th minute and Kroos added a fourth to complete his first national team brace since the 7-1 World Cup semi-final win over Brazil in 2014.

Group C leaders Germany were given a helping hand by arch-rivals the Netherlands who held Northern Ireland 0-0 away to ensure the Dutch and Germans qualified with one match to spare.

Germany have 18 points, from six draws and one defeat,&nbsp;while the Dutch have 16 and Northern Ireland 14.

Belarus have four points but could still qualify as they have reached the playoffs of the Nations League which offers four more places.

"I'm satisfied, there were some very good passing exchanges," said coach Joachim Loew, who took over in 2006 and will be in charge at his seventh major tournament.

"We did a good job. All in all, I'm very satisfied. Kroos is extremely important for the team, he's always ready to play, always keeps his cool - he's elementary for such a young team. He does that very well."

As expected, Germany quickly took control although their early attacks were somewhat predictable.

They were given a fright when Stasevich's dipping long-range shot forced Neuer into a difficult save and they went ahead shortly afterwards.

Serge Gnabry wriggled past his marker and fired a low ball across the face of goal which was flicked in by Ginter for his first Germany goal on his 29th appearance.

Germany increased their lead four minutes after halftime when Kroos sent a low corner to the edge of the area, Ginter dummied and Goretzka fired home.

Six minutes later, Ginter's pass found Kroos on the edge of the area and he swept the ball home with a trademark first-time shot.

Belarus were awarded a penalty when Robin Koch tripped Pavel Nekhaychik but Neuer dived to his right to save Stasevich's spot-kick. Kroos rubbed it in when he collected the ball in the area, spun past his mark, evaded another and fired a low shot past Aleksandr Gutor to complete the rout.

Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 on Saturday to clinch their place at Euro 2020, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row.

Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 on Saturday to clinch their place at Euro 2020, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row. The inspired Ginter broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a clever backheel, provided a dummy which allowed Leon Goreztka to score the second and the pass for Toni Kroos to add the third. Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved a penalty from Igor Stasevich in the 75th minute and Kroos added a fourth to complete his first national team brace since the 7-1 World Cup semi-final win over Brazil in 2014. Group C leaders Germany were given a helping hand by arch-rivals the Netherlands who held Northern Ireland 0-0 away to ensure the Dutch and Germans qualified with one match to spare. Germany have 18 points, from six draws and one defeat, while the Dutch have 16 and Northern Ireland 14. Belarus have four points but could still qualify as they have reached the playoffs of the Nations League which offers four more places. "I'm satisfied, there were some very good passing exchanges," said coach Joachim Loew, who took over in 2006 and will be in charge at his seventh major tournament. "We did a good job. All in all, I'm very satisfied. Kroos is extremely important for the team, he's always ready to play, always keeps his cool - he's elementary for such a young team. He does that very well." As expected, Germany quickly took control although their early attacks were somewhat predictable. They were given a fright when Stasevich's dipping long-range shot forced Neuer into a difficult save and they went ahead shortly afterwards. Serge Gnabry wriggled past his marker and fired a low ball across the face of goal which was flicked in by Ginter for his first Germany goal on his 29th appearance. Germany increased their lead four minutes after halftime when Kroos sent a low corner to the edge of the area, Ginter dummied and Goretzka fired home. Six minutes later, Ginter's pass found Kroos on the edge of the area and he swept the ball home with a trademark first-time shot. Belarus were awarded a penalty when Robin Koch tripped Pavel Nekhaychik but Neuer dived to his right to save Stasevich's spot-kick. Kroos rubbed it in when he collected the ball in the area, spun past his mark, evaded another and fired a low shot past Aleksandr Gutor to complete the rout.

Ginter the inspiration as Germany clinch Euro 2020 spot

Six-times Grand Slam champion Boris Becker will captain Germany at next year's inaugural ATP Cup, while fellow former world number ones Marat Safin and Thomas Muster will lead Russia and Austria at the nation-based tournament.

Becker, who won his first major title at Wimbledon in 1985, was chosen by world No. 7 Alexander Zverev to captain Germany, who are drawn in Group F alongside Greece, Canada and hosts Australia and play their matches in Brisbane.

The 24-nation ATP Cup will take place from Jan. 3-12 in Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney.

"We have a strong chance in an extremely competitive section of the draw," Becker said in an ATP Cup media release.

"Playing against the very best and representing your country sets the tone, sets the sport. I think we're going to see amazing tennis."

Safin, who won the U.S. Open in 2000 and the centenary Australian Open five years later, will lead a Russian team that includes world No. 4 Daniil Medvedev and No. 17 Karen Khachanov.

"We have a real chance of winning the first Cup with the caliber of players we have on the Russian side and I'll be doing everything I can to make that happen from the bench," he said.

Russia faces Italy, the United States, and Norway in Group D and will play their group games in Perth.

Muster, who claimed the world's top ranking in 1996 after winning the French Open the previous year, was chosen as captain by world No. 5 Dominic Thiem and welcomed the opportunity to lock horns with his former adversaries.

"The ATP Cup brings some old rivals together as captains," he said. "The cream of tennis is competing across Australia and the playing field is incredibly strong, I feel very excited to be part of it all."

The winners of the six groups and the two best second-placed finishers reach the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney. Each tie comprises two singles and one double match.

Six-times Grand Slam champion Boris Becker will captain Germany at next year's inaugural ATP Cup, while fellow former world number ones Marat Safin and Thomas Muster will lead Russia and Austria at the nation-based tournament.

Six-times Grand Slam champion Boris Becker will captain Germany at next year's inaugural ATP Cup, while fellow former world number ones Marat Safin and Thomas Muster will lead Russia and Austria at the nation-based tournament. Becker, who won his first major title at Wimbledon in 1985, was chosen by world No. 7 Alexander Zverev to captain Germany, who are drawn in Group F alongside Greece, Canada and hosts Australia and play their matches in Brisbane. The 24-nation ATP Cup will take place from Jan. 3-12 in Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney. "We have a strong chance in an extremely competitive section of the draw," Becker said in an ATP Cup media release. "Playing against the very best and representing your country sets the tone, sets the sport. I think we're going to see amazing tennis." Safin, who won the U.S. Open in 2000 and the centenary Australian Open five years later, will lead a Russian team that includes world No. 4 Daniil Medvedev and No. 17 Karen Khachanov. "We have a real chance of winning the first Cup with the caliber of players we have on the Russian side and I'll be doing everything I can to make that happen from the bench," he said. Russia faces Italy, the United States, and Norway in Group D and will play their group games in Perth. Muster, who claimed the world's top ranking in 1996 after winning the French Open the previous year, was chosen as captain by world No. 5 Dominic Thiem and welcomed the opportunity to lock horns with his former adversaries. "The ATP Cup brings some old rivals together as captains," he said. "The cream of tennis is competing across Australia and the playing field is incredibly strong, I feel very excited to be part of it all." The winners of the six groups and the two best second-placed finishers reach the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney. Each tie comprises two singles and one double match.

Tennis: Becker, Safin and Muster named ATP Cup team captains

The German economy escaped a recession in the third quarter as consumers, state spending and construction drove a 0.1 per cent&nbsp;quarterly expansion, defying expectations of another contraction in Europe's largest economy, preliminary data showed on Thursday.

On an annual basis, gross domestic product expanded 0.5 per cent&nbsp;from July through September after a 0.3 per cent&nbsp;expansion in the previous three months, seasonally adjusted figures from the Federal Statistics Office showed.

"The German economy got away with a black eye: the technical recession could be avoided," Deka bank analyst Andreas Scheuerle said, but he added it was still too early to give the all-clear.

"Germany's economy is suffering from enormous global political uncertainty. Germany's flagship industry, the automobile sector, is not running smoothly anymore," he said.

Germany's manufacturers, whose exports have been a bedrock of the country's economic strength for decades, are struggling with weaker foreign demand, tariff disputes sparked by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies and business uncertainty linked to Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

The automobile sector, an important driver of overall growth, is also having trouble adjusting to stricter regulation following an emission cheating scandal and managing a broader shift away from combustion engines toward electric cars.

"We do not have a technical recession, but the growth numbers are still too weak," Economy Minister Peter Altmaier told ARD public television.

The Statistics Office said private households increased their spending from July through September while state spending and construction also supported overall growth.

Exports edged up on the quarter while imports remained broadly flat, the office said, suggesting that net trade could have been a positive impulse on the economy as well.

Alexander Krueger from Bankhaus Lampe said that he expected meagre growth rates in the coming quarters as the trade outlook remained clouded. "The economic slowdown in China, the global trade dispute and the Brexit chaos are all pointing to a weaker economic momentum," Krueger said.

The Statistics Office revised the quarterly GDP rate for the second quarter to a 0.2 per cent&nbsp;quarter-on-quarter contraction from a previously reported 0.1 per cent&nbsp;decline.

But it revised up the growth figures for the first quarter to a 0.5 per cent&nbsp;expansion from a 0.4 per cent&nbsp;increase reported earlier.

Analysts polled by Reuters for the third quarter had expected a 0.1 per cent&nbsp;contraction quarter-on-quarter and a 0.5 per cent&nbsp;expansion year-on-year in seasonally adjusted terms.

The German economy escaped a recession in the third quarter as consumers, state spending and construction drove a 0.1 per cent quarterly expansion, defying expectations of another contraction in Europe's largest economy, preliminary data showed on Thursday.

The German economy escaped a recession in the third quarter as consumers, state spending and construction drove a 0.1 per cent quarterly expansion, defying expectations of another contraction in Europe's largest economy, preliminary data showed on Thursday. On an annual basis, gross domestic product expanded 0.5 per cent from July through September after a 0.3 per cent expansion in the previous three months, seasonally adjusted figures from the Federal Statistics Office showed. "The German economy got away with a black eye: the technical recession could be avoided," Deka bank analyst Andreas Scheuerle said, but he added it was still too early to give the all-clear. "Germany's economy is suffering from enormous global political uncertainty. Germany's flagship industry, the automobile sector, is not running smoothly anymore," he said. Germany's manufacturers, whose exports have been a bedrock of the country's economic strength for decades, are struggling with weaker foreign demand, tariff disputes sparked by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies and business uncertainty linked to Britain's decision to leave the European Union. The automobile sector, an important driver of overall growth, is also having trouble adjusting to stricter regulation following an emission cheating scandal and managing a broader shift away from combustion engines toward electric cars. "We do not have a technical recession, but the growth numbers are still too weak," Economy Minister Peter Altmaier told ARD public television. The Statistics Office said private households increased their spending from July through September while state spending and construction also supported overall growth. Exports edged up on the quarter while imports remained broadly flat, the office said, suggesting that net trade could have been a positive impulse on the economy as well. Alexander Krueger from Bankhaus Lampe said that he expected meagre growth rates in the coming quarters as the trade outlook remained clouded. "The economic slowdown in China, the global trade dispute and the Brexit chaos are all pointing to a weaker economic momentum," Krueger said. The Statistics Office revised the quarterly GDP rate for the second quarter to a 0.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter contraction from a previously reported 0.1 per cent decline. But it revised up the growth figures for the first quarter to a 0.5 per cent expansion from a 0.4 per cent increase reported earlier. Analysts polled by Reuters for the third quarter had expected a 0.1 per cent contraction quarter-on-quarter and a 0.5 per cent expansion year-on-year in seasonally adjusted terms.

'Suffering' German economy dodges recession in third quarter

The German government will not force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years, a draft law expected to be approved by the cabinet next week showed on Tuesday.

A previous blueprint seen by Reuters stipulated that utilities would be forced to deactivate hard coal power plants by 2026 if not enough closures happen voluntarily.

The government plans to use a mixture of subsidies and tenders to encourage operators to close coal plants beginning next year.

The draft law could make the process more expensive if it requires the government to spend more on such incentives.

It calls for incentives to fall each year, a strategy designed to entice operators to close down coal plants early.

It is part of German plans to phase out coal by 2038 and will be put to a vote in the Bundestag lower house should the cabinet approve it next Monday.

It envisages that by 2022 an estimated 12 hard coal plants would be shut down, leaving about 30 feeding some 15 gigawatts (GW) into the grid.

Germany has more than 40 plants running either fully or partially on hard coal, according to the Federal Environment Agency.

The decision against forced closures looks set to allow utility Uniper&nbsp;to start commercial operations at its 1.5 billion euro Datteln 4 coal-fired power plant.

It had originally been recommended that the 1.1-gigawatt plant, which would add 100 million euros to Uniper's operating profit per year, never enter service.

Sascha Bibert, Uniper's finance chief, declined to comment on the draft law, saying he would wait for the official version.

The government has estimated the cost of shutting down hard coal plants at less than 1 billion euros.

Last month, measures it approved to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions were criticised by activists and industry groups as too weak to achieve Germany's goal of becoming emissions-neutral by 2050.

The government also wants to reach a deal with utilities on a timetable to shut down brown coal plants and agree on a framework for compensation.

Starting in 2020, the government each year will decide how many gigawatts of brown coal-produced energy should be removed from the grid and ask utilities to submit compensation estimates.

The cost of shutting brown coal plants is estimated at more than 2 billion euros.

The German government will not force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years, a draft law expected to be approved by the cabinet next week showed on Tuesday.

The German government will not force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years, a draft law expected to be approved by the cabinet next week showed on Tuesday. A previous blueprint seen by Reuters stipulated that utilities would be forced to deactivate hard coal power plants by 2026 if not enough closures happen voluntarily. The government plans to use a mixture of subsidies and tenders to encourage operators to close coal plants beginning next year. The draft law could make the process more expensive if it requires the government to spend more on such incentives. It calls for incentives to fall each year, a strategy designed to entice operators to close down coal plants early. It is part of German plans to phase out coal by 2038 and will be put to a vote in the Bundestag lower house should the cabinet approve it next Monday. It envisages that by 2022 an estimated 12 hard coal plants would be shut down, leaving about 30 feeding some 15 gigawatts (GW) into the grid. Germany has more than 40 plants running either fully or partially on hard coal, according to the Federal Environment Agency. The decision against forced closures looks set to allow utility Uniper to start commercial operations at its 1.5 billion euro Datteln 4 coal-fired power plant. It had originally been recommended that the 1.1-gigawatt plant, which would add 100 million euros to Uniper's operating profit per year, never enter service. Sascha Bibert, Uniper's finance chief, declined to comment on the draft law, saying he would wait for the official version. The government has estimated the cost of shutting down hard coal plants at less than 1 billion euros. Last month, measures it approved to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions were criticised by activists and industry groups as too weak to achieve Germany's goal of becoming emissions-neutral by 2050. The government also wants to reach a deal with utilities on a timetable to shut down brown coal plants and agree on a framework for compensation. Starting in 2020, the government each year will decide how many gigawatts of brown coal-produced energy should be removed from the grid and ask utilities to submit compensation estimates. The cost of shutting brown coal plants is estimated at more than 2 billion euros.

Germany will not force hard coal plant closures before 2026

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