Hitler's watercolours with 'no artistic value' up for auction, German Police suspect forgeries

As the ECB takes the final step in phasing out the 500-euro note, few are expected to mourn a bill favoured by criminals but rarely seen in daily life.

Except perhaps in cash-loving Germany.

From Sunday, central banks in 17 of the 19 eurozone countries will stop issuing the violet-coloured banknotes.

Only the German and Austrian central banks are clinging on a while longer, until April 26, to "ensure a smooth transition", the European Central Bank said in a statement.

Medical technician Rolf, from the German town of Marburg, said he found the demise of the single currency's highest-denomination note "hard to accept".

Standing a stone's throw from Frankfurt's blue-and-yellow euro sculpture after a meeting in the city, the 61-year-old said he had made a point of paying for his car in 500s.

"I prefer using cash for large payments, it doesn't mean I'm involved in anything dodgy," Rolf said, declining to give his last name.

The ECB decision to end the note's issuance will lead to fewer and fewer circulating as commercial banks gradually return them to their countries' central banks, where they will be replaced by lower-denomination bills.

But anyone hoarding 500s under their mattress needn't worry, as all existing bills remain legal tender.

"They can continue to be used to spend or to save, and they will always retain their value," said ECB spokeswoman Eva Taylor.

The 500-euro bill accounted for just 2.3 per cent of all euro notes in circulation last month.

The 'Bin Laden'

The banknote's death warrant was signed in 2016 when the ECB formally ended its production over concerns it could "facilitate illegal activities" after research linked its use to money laundering, tax evasion and terrorism financing.

Sometimes dubbed the "Bin Laden", the note has proved a compact way to transport illicit money.

A million euros in 500-euro notes weighs just 2.2 kilogrammes (4.8 pounds), fitting easily into a laptop bag.

The same sum in $100 bills, the US currency's highest denomination, would weigh almost six times as much and require a much larger case.

While the plan to slowly kill off the 500 made few waves abroad, it sparked an emotional debate in Germany where many feared it was a prelude to abolishing cash altogether.

Among the fiercest opponents was Jens Weidmann, chief of Germany's powerful Bundesbank central bank, who said scrapping the note would do little to combat crime but could "damage trust" in the single currency.

Critics also said the move would make it more difficult and expensive for banks to physically store large amounts of cash in order to bypass negative interest rates.

The ECB's deposit rate currently stands at minus 0.4 per cent, meaning banks pay to park excess funds with the Frankfurt institution.

'Won't miss it'

When the euro was created two decades ago, Germany was keen to have a 500-euro bill as the closest equivalent to its cherished 1,000-Deutsche Mark banknote.

But even in Europe's top economy, where privacy is prized and cash is king, the 500 isn't any more widely used than in other countries, and won't be universally missed.

Suzanne Spenner, a Frankfurt-based nanny in her mid-fifties, said in her experience the slightly oversized note -- an awkward fit in most wallets -- &nbsp;was a pain to get rid of.

"They wouldn't take it in the shops. I have no need for it."

A 2017 Bundesbank study found that over 60 per cent of Germans have dealt with the 500-euro note at least once, often as a gift, a way of storing money or to pay for large purchases.

Across the euro region, the ECB said, "more people than often thought use high denomination banknotes".&nbsp;

In a major 2015-2016 ECB survey, almost 20 per cent of eurozone respondents said they had handled a 200- or 500-euro bill in the preceding year.

Lucia Bassing, owner of a high-end store selling beds and mattresses in Frankfurt, said while card payments were on the rise, it wasn't unusual for customers to pay for a 3,000-euro bed in 500s.

"I personally don't like carrying a 500-euro note on me so I won't miss it," said the 49-year-old.

"But I'm always happy to accept them from customers," she laughed. 
&nbsp;

As the ECB takes the final step in phasing out the 500-euro note, few are expected to mourn a bill favoured by criminals but rarely seen in daily life. Except perhaps in cash-loving Germany.

As the ECB takes the final step in phasing out the 500-euro note, few are expected to mourn a bill favoured by criminals but rarely seen in daily life. Except perhaps in cash-loving Germany. From Sunday, central banks in 17 of the 19 eurozone countries will stop issuing the violet-coloured banknotes. Only the German and Austrian central banks are clinging on a while longer, until April 26, to "ensure a smooth transition", the European Central Bank said in a statement. Medical technician Rolf, from the German town of Marburg, said he found the demise of the single currency's highest-denomination note "hard to accept". Standing a stone's throw from Frankfurt's blue-and-yellow euro sculpture after a meeting in the city, the 61-year-old said he had made a point of paying for his car in 500s. "I prefer using cash for large payments, it doesn't mean I'm involved in anything dodgy," Rolf said, declining to give his last name. The ECB decision to end the note's issuance will lead to fewer and fewer circulating as commercial banks gradually return them to their countries' central banks, where they will be replaced by lower-denomination bills. But anyone hoarding 500s under their mattress needn't worry, as all existing bills remain legal tender. "They can continue to be used to spend or to save, and they will always retain their value," said ECB spokeswoman Eva Taylor. The 500-euro bill accounted for just 2.3 per cent of all euro notes in circulation last month. The 'Bin Laden' The banknote's death warrant was signed in 2016 when the ECB formally ended its production over concerns it could "facilitate illegal activities" after research linked its use to money laundering, tax evasion and terrorism financing. Sometimes dubbed the "Bin Laden", the note has proved a compact way to transport illicit money. A million euros in 500-euro notes weighs just 2.2 kilogrammes (4.8 pounds), fitting easily into a laptop bag. The same sum in $100 bills, the US currency's highest denomination, would weigh almost six times as much and require a much larger case. While the plan to slowly kill off the 500 made few waves abroad, it sparked an emotional debate in Germany where many feared it was a prelude to abolishing cash altogether. Among the fiercest opponents was Jens Weidmann, chief of Germany's powerful Bundesbank central bank, who said scrapping the note would do little to combat crime but could "damage trust" in the single currency. Critics also said the move would make it more difficult and expensive for banks to physically store large amounts of cash in order to bypass negative interest rates. The ECB's deposit rate currently stands at minus 0.4 per cent, meaning banks pay to park excess funds with the Frankfurt institution. 'Won't miss it' When the euro was created two decades ago, Germany was keen to have a 500-euro bill as the closest equivalent to its cherished 1,000-Deutsche Mark banknote. But even in Europe's top economy, where privacy is prized and cash is king, the 500 isn't any more widely used than in other countries, and won't be universally missed. Suzanne Spenner, a Frankfurt-based nanny in her mid-fifties, said in her experience the slightly oversized note -- an awkward fit in most wallets -- was a pain to get rid of. "They wouldn't take it in the shops. I have no need for it." A 2017 Bundesbank study found that over 60 per cent of Germans have dealt with the 500-euro note at least once, often as a gift, a way of storing money or to pay for large purchases. Across the euro region, the ECB said, "more people than often thought use high denomination banknotes". In a major 2015-2016 ECB survey, almost 20 per cent of eurozone respondents said they had handled a 200- or 500-euro bill in the preceding year. Lucia Bassing, owner of a high-end store selling beds and mattresses in Frankfurt, said while card payments were on the rise, it wasn't unusual for customers to pay for a 3,000-euro bed in 500s. "I personally don't like carrying a 500-euro note on me so I won't miss it," said the 49-year-old. "But I'm always happy to accept them from customers," she laughed.

Mixed emotions in Germany as 500-euro note bows out

Germany should shut down its last coal-fired power plant by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said early on Saturday as part of a roadmap laying out an accelerated phase-out of the polluting fuel.

Commission sources told Reuters the body agreed a total of 40 billion euros ($45.65 billion) should be provided in aid for the states affected by the coal phase-out up to 2040, less than the roughly 60 billion euros that they had asked for.

Over the next four years, plant operators, including RWE and Uniper, will be asked to shut down about 12 gigawatts of capacity early in a first step, members of the commission told Reuters after more than 20 hours of discussions.

This equals about 24 large power station units.

The commission's plans are at the centre of Germany's strategy for how to abandon polluting coal stations in favour of renewables, which accounted for more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating coal for the first time.

It is the second major intervention in Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch away from nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukishima disaster in 2011.

Following months of negotiations, the proposals of the committee, also known as the coal commission, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned coal exit into law.

While the 2038 exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, commission sources said that the phase-out could already be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible.

Compensation for companies and consumers experiencing higher electricity prices resulting from the coal phase-out should be 2 billion euros per year, with the exact amount to be fixed in 2023, a text of the commission's recommendations seen by Reuters showed.

Germany should shut down its last coal-fired power plant by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said early on Saturday as part of a roadmap laying out an accelerated phase-out of the polluting fuel.

Germany should shut down its last coal-fired power plant by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said early on Saturday as part of a roadmap laying out an accelerated phase-out of the polluting fuel. Commission sources told Reuters the body agreed a total of 40 billion euros ($45.65 billion) should be provided in aid for the states affected by the coal phase-out up to 2040, less than the roughly 60 billion euros that they had asked for. Over the next four years, plant operators, including RWE and Uniper, will be asked to shut down about 12 gigawatts of capacity early in a first step, members of the commission told Reuters after more than 20 hours of discussions. This equals about 24 large power station units. The commission's plans are at the centre of Germany's strategy for how to abandon polluting coal stations in favour of renewables, which accounted for more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating coal for the first time. It is the second major intervention in Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch away from nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukishima disaster in 2011. Following months of negotiations, the proposals of the committee, also known as the coal commission, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned coal exit into law. While the 2038 exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, commission sources said that the phase-out could already be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible. Compensation for companies and consumers experiencing higher electricity prices resulting from the coal phase-out should be 2 billion euros per year, with the exact amount to be fixed in 2023, a text of the commission's recommendations seen by Reuters showed.

Germany should fully phase out coal by 2038: Commission

Germany to phase out coal in 2038

Spain, France and Germany on Saturday gave embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum, saying they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as president unless he calls elections within eight days.

The ultimatum comes as international pressure mounts on the Maduro regime to agree a new vote, with the United States, Canada and major South American players already recognising Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week.

After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following controversial elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term.

"If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president" so that he himself can call such polls, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised announcement.

French President Emmanuel Macron followed suit in a tweet, saying "the Venezuelan people must be able to freely decide on their future," as did German government spokeswoman Martina Fietz.

The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries as the 28-member bloc struggles to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela.

Spain had wanted the EU to take a tough line on Maduro by calling for immediate elections, failing which the bloc as a whole would recognise Guaido, the 35-year-old head of Venezuela's National Assembly.

But countries like Austria, Greece and Portugal are much more reluctant. 
In fact Greece's ruling party Syriza has publicly backed Maduro, with party secretary Panos Skourletis voicing "full support and solidarity" to what to he called "the legal president."&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate."&nbsp;

On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognise Guaido as interim president, the State Department said.

Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties.

US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order.

Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open.

Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and criticised internationally -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military.

Spain is closely linked to Venezuela, a former colony, as some 200,000 of its nationals live there.

Sanchez insisted Saturday that Spain is "not looking to impose or remove governments in Venezuela, we want democracy and free elections in Venezuela."&nbsp;

Spain, France and Germany on Saturday gave embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum, saying they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as president unless he calls elections within eight days.

Spain, France and Germany on Saturday gave embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum, saying they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as president unless he calls elections within eight days. The ultimatum comes as international pressure mounts on the Maduro regime to agree a new vote, with the United States, Canada and major South American players already recognising Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week. After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following controversial elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term. "If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president" so that he himself can call such polls, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised announcement. French President Emmanuel Macron followed suit in a tweet, saying "the Venezuelan people must be able to freely decide on their future," as did German government spokeswoman Martina Fietz. The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries as the 28-member bloc struggles to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela. Spain had wanted the EU to take a tough line on Maduro by calling for immediate elections, failing which the bloc as a whole would recognise Guaido, the 35-year-old head of Venezuela's National Assembly. But countries like Austria, Greece and Portugal are much more reluctant. In fact Greece's ruling party Syriza has publicly backed Maduro, with party secretary Panos Skourletis voicing "full support and solidarity" to what to he called "the legal president." President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate." On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognise Guaido as interim president, the State Department said. Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties. US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order. Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open. Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and criticised internationally -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military. Spain is closely linked to Venezuela, a former colony, as some 200,000 of its nationals live there. Sanchez insisted Saturday that Spain is "not looking to impose or remove governments in Venezuela, we want democracy and free elections in Venezuela."

European leaders issue ultimatum to embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro

Germany&nbsp;should shut down all of its&nbsp;coal-fired power plants by&nbsp;2038&nbsp;at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.7 billion) in aid to regions affected by the planned&nbsp;phase-out.

The commission's plans are at the centre of&nbsp;Germany's strategy to shift to renewables, which made up more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating&nbsp;coal&nbsp;for the first time.

The proposals of the&nbsp;coal&nbsp;commission, which were finalised after more than 20 hours of last-round talks, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned exit&nbsp;from&nbsp;coal&nbsp;into law.

The body agreed a total of at least 40 billion euros should be provided in aid for&nbsp;coal-mining states affected by the exit, less than the roughly 60 billion euros they had asked for.

"This plan will make it possible to achieve climate change goals set by the German government, but it will also, and this is important, achieve affordable and secure energy supplies if the German government implements our recommendations," said Barbara Praetorius, an environmental professor who served as one of the four leaders of the commission.

"A large majority of the population stands behind this exit&nbsp;from&nbsp;coal&nbsp;... but it must be reliable, affordable and acceptable for the regions."

In a first step, plant operators including RWE, Uniper, EnBW and Vattenfall will be asked to shut down about&nbsp;12.7 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2022, equivalent to about&nbsp;24 large power station units, the report, seen by Reuters, said.

Under the proposed plans,&nbsp;coal&nbsp;power capacity in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;would more than halve to 17 GW by 2030.

"The commission recommends a mutual agreement with the operators on a contractual basis with regard to the shutdown," the report said, adding this would include agreeing on the exact size of compensation.

COMPENSATION

Compensation payments should apply to plants in operation and those that have not yet entered service or are still being built, including Uniper's Datteln 4 plant, the report said.

Ways to determine compensation could include capacity tenders or keeping plants on standby, similar to existing reserve payments for operators that have totalled as much as 600 million euros per gigawatt in the past, it added.

In a blow to RWE,&nbsp;Germany's top electricity producer, the commission said preserving the Hambach forest was "desirable", hitting the group's key source of lignite where mining operations have already been halted following a court order.

The committee's proposals, if implemented, would be the second major intervention in&nbsp;Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch&nbsp;away&nbsp;from&nbsp;nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011.

While the&nbsp;2038&nbsp;exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, the report said there is a chance that the&nbsp;phase-out&nbsp;could be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible.

Compensation for companies and consumers paying more for electricity because of the&nbsp;phase-out&nbsp;should be 2 billion euros a year, with the exact amount to be set in 2023, the report said.

Stanislaw Tillich, the conservative former premier of the&nbsp;coal-producing Saxony region, said the accord would set an example for other regions in Europe, by ensuring they could develop new industries and jobs even as they&nbsp;phased&nbsp;coal&nbsp;out.

The next step will be for the German federal government and the 16 states to agree on how to share the cost of exiting&nbsp;from&nbsp;brown&nbsp;coal&nbsp;production. Tillich said it was imperative that all the states - not just those that now produce&nbsp;coal&nbsp;- share in the considerable burden of switching to cleaner energy.

Germany should shut down all of its coal-fired power plants by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.

Germany should shut down all of its coal-fired power plants by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.7 billion) in aid to regions affected by the planned phase-out. The commission's plans are at the centre of Germany's strategy to shift to renewables, which made up more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating coal for the first time. The proposals of the coal commission, which were finalised after more than 20 hours of last-round talks, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned exit from coal into law. The body agreed a total of at least 40 billion euros should be provided in aid for coal-mining states affected by the exit, less than the roughly 60 billion euros they had asked for. "This plan will make it possible to achieve climate change goals set by the German government, but it will also, and this is important, achieve affordable and secure energy supplies if the German government implements our recommendations," said Barbara Praetorius, an environmental professor who served as one of the four leaders of the commission. "A large majority of the population stands behind this exit from coal ... but it must be reliable, affordable and acceptable for the regions." In a first step, plant operators including RWE, Uniper, EnBW and Vattenfall will be asked to shut down about 12.7 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2022, equivalent to about 24 large power station units, the report, seen by Reuters, said. Under the proposed plans, coal power capacity in Germany would more than halve to 17 GW by 2030. "The commission recommends a mutual agreement with the operators on a contractual basis with regard to the shutdown," the report said, adding this would include agreeing on the exact size of compensation. COMPENSATION Compensation payments should apply to plants in operation and those that have not yet entered service or are still being built, including Uniper's Datteln 4 plant, the report said. Ways to determine compensation could include capacity tenders or keeping plants on standby, similar to existing reserve payments for operators that have totalled as much as 600 million euros per gigawatt in the past, it added. In a blow to RWE, Germany's top electricity producer, the commission said preserving the Hambach forest was "desirable", hitting the group's key source of lignite where mining operations have already been halted following a court order. The committee's proposals, if implemented, would be the second major intervention in Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch away from nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011. While the 2038 exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, the report said there is a chance that the phase-out could be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible. Compensation for companies and consumers paying more for electricity because of the phase-out should be 2 billion euros a year, with the exact amount to be set in 2023, the report said. Stanislaw Tillich, the conservative former premier of the coal-producing Saxony region, said the accord would set an example for other regions in Europe, by ensuring they could develop new industries and jobs even as they phased coal out. The next step will be for the German federal government and the 16 states to agree on how to share the cost of exiting from brown coal production. Tillich said it was imperative that all the states - not just those that now produce coal - share in the considerable burden of switching to cleaner energy.

Germany to phase out coal mine by 2038 in move away from fossil fuels

China and Germany Wednesday defended global cooperation against the temptation of populism at the Davos forum of the world's business elite, but a Swedish teenager emerged as the unlikely star after her urgent calls for climate action inspired schoolchildren around the world.

Reactions against a longer-running style of populism also reared up at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), as Brazil and other regional countries joined the United States in recognising the head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament as interim president, in defiance of firebrand leftist Nicolas Maduro.

President Donald Trump's more recent brand of on-the-edge politics dominated last year's WEF when he came to Davos.

Since then, he has launched a trade war against China and other allies that has rocked the financial markets and sparked fears of a slowdown in the global economy.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan hit back in an address to the audience of movers and shakers, which includes some of the world's top chief executives.

"The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," said Wang, who is tasked with negotiating a truce in the trade war.

"This is the reality: neither side can do without the other side," he said.&nbsp;

The annual conference in the Alpine ski resort was originally expected to be an outlet for talks between the US and China, with a 90-day truce set to end March 1.

But Trump cancelled a return trip to Davos due to the government shutdown in Washington, and the absence of the usually hefty US delegation has been felt in the WEF hallways.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also defended cooperation among nations, speaking a day after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro made his first international speech after sweeping to power on a firmly populist line.

"There is (in the world) a current that says I will first look after my own interests, and in the end everyone will be fine," said Merkel, a Davos regular who is preparing to step down by 2020.

"I highly doubt it," she added.

Trump has pulled out of the Paris accord on climate change and assailed international institutions such as NATO, the European Union and World Trade Organization.&nbsp;

But Merkel, who grew up under communist rule in the former East Germany, said: "I stand before you as someone who cherishes multilateral institutions."

For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Europe, Japan and the United States should "join forces" to review the rules of free trade.

"I call on everyone to rebuild confidence in the international trading system," he said at the forum.

European leaders as a whole came to Davos under the cloud of Brexit, with Britain's plan to divorce from the European Union blocked in parliament.

Prime Minister Theresa May pulled out of the conference to handle Brexit as did the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier, both eager to avoid a "no deal" exit on March 29.

But May's international trade secretary, Liam Fox, made the trip to reassure investors about Britain's post-Brexit future.

Shrugging off announcements that Sony and Dyson are relocating premises abroad, Fox told AFP in Davos that "clearly the UK is open for business and is an attractive destination".

But it was teenage climate crusader Greta Thunberg who drew the most interest, swamped by camera crews as she arrived in Davos after a 32-hour train trip from her home in Sweden.

The 16-year-old grabbed the headlines with a fiery speech before world leaders at last month's UN climate talks in Poland. She has galvanised protests by high-schoolers around the world demanding stronger government action to fight global warming.

Thunberg told AFP that she was under no illusion that all of the audience in Davos would voluntarily heed her call to action.

"They have known exactly what priceless values they have been sacrificing to continue making unimaginable amounts of money," she said, insisting it was time for young people "to get angry" and demand that adults clean up the mess they have made.

U2 frontman Bono, a Davos regular, meanwhile provided his usual dose of rock-n-roll rebellion to the forum's jet set.

"Capitalism is not immoral, it's amoral," the singer told a panel.&nbsp;

"It's a wild beast and if not tamed, it can chew up a lot of people along the way," he said.

China and Germany Wednesday defended global cooperation against the temptation of populism at the Davos forum of the world's business elite, but a Swedish teenager emerged as the unlikely star after her urgent calls for climate action inspired schoolchildren around the world.

China and Germany Wednesday defended global cooperation against the temptation of populism at the Davos forum of the world's business elite, but a Swedish teenager emerged as the unlikely star after her urgent calls for climate action inspired schoolchildren around the world. Reactions against a longer-running style of populism also reared up at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), as Brazil and other regional countries joined the United States in recognising the head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament as interim president, in defiance of firebrand leftist Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump's more recent brand of on-the-edge politics dominated last year's WEF when he came to Davos. Since then, he has launched a trade war against China and other allies that has rocked the financial markets and sparked fears of a slowdown in the global economy. Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan hit back in an address to the audience of movers and shakers, which includes some of the world's top chief executives. "The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," said Wang, who is tasked with negotiating a truce in the trade war. "This is the reality: neither side can do without the other side," he said. The annual conference in the Alpine ski resort was originally expected to be an outlet for talks between the US and China, with a 90-day truce set to end March 1. But Trump cancelled a return trip to Davos due to the government shutdown in Washington, and the absence of the usually hefty US delegation has been felt in the WEF hallways. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also defended cooperation among nations, speaking a day after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro made his first international speech after sweeping to power on a firmly populist line. "There is (in the world) a current that says I will first look after my own interests, and in the end everyone will be fine," said Merkel, a Davos regular who is preparing to step down by 2020. "I highly doubt it," she added. Trump has pulled out of the Paris accord on climate change and assailed international institutions such as NATO, the European Union and World Trade Organization. But Merkel, who grew up under communist rule in the former East Germany, said: "I stand before you as someone who cherishes multilateral institutions." For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Europe, Japan and the United States should "join forces" to review the rules of free trade. "I call on everyone to rebuild confidence in the international trading system," he said at the forum. European leaders as a whole came to Davos under the cloud of Brexit, with Britain's plan to divorce from the European Union blocked in parliament. Prime Minister Theresa May pulled out of the conference to handle Brexit as did the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier, both eager to avoid a "no deal" exit on March 29. But May's international trade secretary, Liam Fox, made the trip to reassure investors about Britain's post-Brexit future. Shrugging off announcements that Sony and Dyson are relocating premises abroad, Fox told AFP in Davos that "clearly the UK is open for business and is an attractive destination". But it was teenage climate crusader Greta Thunberg who drew the most interest, swamped by camera crews as she arrived in Davos after a 32-hour train trip from her home in Sweden. The 16-year-old grabbed the headlines with a fiery speech before world leaders at last month's UN climate talks in Poland. She has galvanised protests by high-schoolers around the world demanding stronger government action to fight global warming. Thunberg told AFP that she was under no illusion that all of the audience in Davos would voluntarily heed her call to action. "They have known exactly what priceless values they have been sacrificing to continue making unimaginable amounts of money," she said, insisting it was time for young people "to get angry" and demand that adults clean up the mess they have made. U2 frontman Bono, a Davos regular, meanwhile provided his usual dose of rock-n-roll rebellion to the forum's jet set. "Capitalism is not immoral, it's amoral," the singer told a panel. "It's a wild beast and if not tamed, it can chew up a lot of people along the way," he said.

At Davos, China and Germany tout openness as teenager plugs climate fight

Germany has revoked the licence of an Iranian airline because it has been transporting military equipment and personnel to Syria and other Middle East war zones, the foreign ministry said on Monday, after heavy US pressure on Berlin to act.

The United States imposed sanctions on Mahan Air in 2011, saying it provided financial and other support to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and has been pressing its European allies to follow suit.

The German ban on the airline takes immediate effect, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Monday that the "US Treasury appreciates the important decision by Germany to deny Mahan Air's landing rights. Mahan routinely flies IRGC-QF and weapons to Syria, is subject to our terrorism secondary sanctions, and should be denied access around the world."

Contacted by Reuters, Mahan Air in Tehran said it could not comment immediately on the ban.

The measure does not signal plans for the reimposition of broader sanctions against Iran, a German government source told Reuters.

Mahan Air, established in 1992 as Iran's first private airline, has the country's largest fleet of aircraft and has flights to a number of European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Greece.

The US ambassador in Berlin, Richard Grenell, who has long objected to Mahan Air's links to Germany, welcomed the ban.

"Mahan Air has flown terrorists, weapons, equipment, and funds to international locations to support Iranian terrorist proxy groups," he said in a statement.

"Iran's use of Mahan Air to support the Assad regime in Syria, for example, has contributed to incredible human suffering, violence, and political instability felt across the world," he said, referring to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

''SECURITY NEEDS"

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert denied that the decision to ban Mahan air was the result of US pressure.

"The German decision is based on considerations of our security needs," he told a regular news conference.

"It cannot be ruled out that this airline could also transport cargo to Germany that threatens our security. This is based on knowledge of past terrorist activities by Iran in Europe," he added.

European countries have been under sustained US pressure to reimpose sanctions on Iran since President Donald Trump last year pulled Washington out of an international nuclear non-proliferation treaty reached with Tehran under his predecessor Barack Obama.

Along with Iran, the other signatories to the deal - Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China - are still trying to keep it alive.

The European countries, with more extensive economic ties to Iran and mindful of the threat that would be posed by another nuclear state in their immediate neighbourhood, have sought to shield themselves from the impact of Washington's extra-territorial sanctions, with limited success.

Germany has revoked the licence of an Iranian airline because it has been transporting military equipment and personnel to Syria and other Middle East war zones, the foreign ministry said on Monday, after heavy US pressure on Berlin to act.

Germany has revoked the licence of an Iranian airline because it has been transporting military equipment and personnel to Syria and other Middle East war zones, the foreign ministry said on Monday, after heavy US pressure on Berlin to act. The United States imposed sanctions on Mahan Air in 2011, saying it provided financial and other support to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and has been pressing its European allies to follow suit. The German ban on the airline takes immediate effect, a foreign ministry spokesman said. US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Monday that the "US Treasury appreciates the important decision by Germany to deny Mahan Air's landing rights. Mahan routinely flies IRGC-QF and weapons to Syria, is subject to our terrorism secondary sanctions, and should be denied access around the world." Contacted by Reuters, Mahan Air in Tehran said it could not comment immediately on the ban. The measure does not signal plans for the reimposition of broader sanctions against Iran, a German government source told Reuters. Mahan Air, established in 1992 as Iran's first private airline, has the country's largest fleet of aircraft and has flights to a number of European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Greece. The US ambassador in Berlin, Richard Grenell, who has long objected to Mahan Air's links to Germany, welcomed the ban. "Mahan Air has flown terrorists, weapons, equipment, and funds to international locations to support Iranian terrorist proxy groups," he said in a statement. "Iran's use of Mahan Air to support the Assad regime in Syria, for example, has contributed to incredible human suffering, violence, and political instability felt across the world," he said, referring to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. ''SECURITY NEEDS" German government spokesman Steffen Seibert denied that the decision to ban Mahan air was the result of US pressure. "The German decision is based on considerations of our security needs," he told a regular news conference. "It cannot be ruled out that this airline could also transport cargo to Germany that threatens our security. This is based on knowledge of past terrorist activities by Iran in Europe," he added. European countries have been under sustained US pressure to reimpose sanctions on Iran since President Donald Trump last year pulled Washington out of an international nuclear non-proliferation treaty reached with Tehran under his predecessor Barack Obama. Along with Iran, the other signatories to the deal - Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China - are still trying to keep it alive. The European countries, with more extensive economic ties to Iran and mindful of the threat that would be posed by another nuclear state in their immediate neighbourhood, have sought to shield themselves from the impact of Washington's extra-territorial sanctions, with limited success.

Germany bans Iranian airline from its airspace after US pressure

After Japan, India overtakes UK as most attractive investment market:  PwC survey

Germany's domestic spy agency will investigate Alternative for Germany (AfD) to see whether the anti-immigrant party's policies breach constitutional safeguards against extremism, its chief said on Tuesday.

The BfV has classified Germany's main opposition party as a "case to investigate", domestic intelligence chief Thomas Haldenwang said, but the probe would fall short of full-blown surveillance of the AfD.

Germany's constitution contains strict protections against extremism, allowing for the close monitoring and even the outlawing of far-left or far-right parties. The measure is rare, though the BfV has previously monitored other political parties.

The AfD surged into the national parliament in a 2017 election, drawing votes from mainstream parties by focusing on voters' concerns over immigration. It is represented in all 16 of Germany's regional parliaments.

"The BfV has initial indications that the AfD's policies are against the democratic constitutional order," Haldenwang told a news conference in Berlin.

"But those indications are not sufficiently concentrated to start monitoring the party using espionage methods," he said.

Haldenwang, whose predecessor Hans-Georg Maassen was moved over his alleged far-right sympathies, said the spy agency would pay closer attention to the AfD's youth wing and elements close to regional AfD leader Bjoern Hoecke.

Hoecke has decried Germany's main memorial to Holocaust victims as a "monument of shame". The BfV said some members close to Hoecke had ties to organisations that have already been classified as extremist.

"Whoever discriminates against people on the basis of their origins is being racist and nationalist. Parts of the AfD are a case for the domestic intelligence office," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted, alluding to the report.

"But observing them won't solve the problems. Above all we need to deal with the AfD objectively and politically."

AfD co-leader Alexander Gauland condemned Haldenwang's announcement: "It is completely clear that we think this BfV decision is wrong. It's also completely clear that we will take legal action against this decision."

Haldenwang said the BfV was concerned by a increase in momentum among right-wing extremist groups in recent years.

The German state of Thuringia said in September it would examine whether the regional chapter of the AfD was pursuing unconstitutional goals.

At that time, the states of Lower Saxony and Bremen also said their own security services tasked with policing unconstitutional activity had placed the regional chapters of the AfD's youth wing under surveillance because of suspected ties to extremists.

Germany's domestic spy agency will investigate Alternative for Germany (AfD) to see whether the anti-immigrant party's policies breach constitutional safeguards against extremism, its chief said on Tuesday.

Germany's domestic spy agency will investigate Alternative for Germany (AfD) to see whether the anti-immigrant party's policies breach constitutional safeguards against extremism, its chief said on Tuesday. The BfV has classified Germany's main opposition party as a "case to investigate", domestic intelligence chief Thomas Haldenwang said, but the probe would fall short of full-blown surveillance of the AfD. Germany's constitution contains strict protections against extremism, allowing for the close monitoring and even the outlawing of far-left or far-right parties. The measure is rare, though the BfV has previously monitored other political parties. The AfD surged into the national parliament in a 2017 election, drawing votes from mainstream parties by focusing on voters' concerns over immigration. It is represented in all 16 of Germany's regional parliaments. "The BfV has initial indications that the AfD's policies are against the democratic constitutional order," Haldenwang told a news conference in Berlin. "But those indications are not sufficiently concentrated to start monitoring the party using espionage methods," he said. Haldenwang, whose predecessor Hans-Georg Maassen was moved over his alleged far-right sympathies, said the spy agency would pay closer attention to the AfD's youth wing and elements close to regional AfD leader Bjoern Hoecke. Hoecke has decried Germany's main memorial to Holocaust victims as a "monument of shame". The BfV said some members close to Hoecke had ties to organisations that have already been classified as extremist. "Whoever discriminates against people on the basis of their origins is being racist and nationalist. Parts of the AfD are a case for the domestic intelligence office," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted, alluding to the report. "But observing them won't solve the problems. Above all we need to deal with the AfD objectively and politically." AfD co-leader Alexander Gauland condemned Haldenwang's announcement: "It is completely clear that we think this BfV decision is wrong. It's also completely clear that we will take legal action against this decision." Haldenwang said the BfV was concerned by a increase in momentum among right-wing extremist groups in recent years. The German state of Thuringia said in September it would examine whether the regional chapter of the AfD was pursuing unconstitutional goals. At that time, the states of Lower Saxony and Bremen also said their own security services tasked with policing unconstitutional activity had placed the regional chapters of the AfD's youth wing under surveillance because of suspected ties to extremists.

Germany's domestic spy agency to investigate far-right AfD

Europe battles snowfall; weather warnings issued in many areas

The US ambassador to Germany has warned of sanctions against firms linked to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, the American embassy in Berlin confirmed Sunday.

A letter envoy Richard Grenell sent to several businesses "reminds that any company operating in the Russian energy export pipeline sector... is in danger under CAATSA of US sanctions," an embassy spokesman told AFP.

The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) adopted in 2017 targets Iran, Russia, and North Korea.

Close Donald Trump ally Grenell's letter "is not meant to be a threat, but a clear message of US policy," the spokesman said.

"The only thing that could be considered blackmail in this situation would be the Kremlin having leverage over future gas supplies," he said.

Construction has already begun on Nord Stream 2, set to double the capacity of an existing pipeline across the Baltic Sea.

Firms including Germany's Wintershall and Uniper, Dutch-British Shell, France's Engie and Austria's OMV are involved in the project.

Combined with the planned TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea, Nord Stream 2 would do away with the need to transport natural gas to Europe via Ukraine — robbing the country of a factor shielding it from Russian aggression, Grenell said.

The two countries are in conflict over the eastern part of Ukraine and the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia in 2014.

"Firms supporting the construction of the two pipelines are actively undermining the security of Ukraine and Europe," Grenell wrote.

Washington's fears about the pipeline are shared by a number of eastern European Union countries including Poland, and the European Parliament last month passed a resolution condemning the construction.

But German Chancellor Angela Merkel, backed by France and Austria, has so far insisted it is a "purely economic project" that will ensure cheaper, more reliable gas supply.

The veteran leader — a key player in Moscow-Kiev peace talks — says Ukrainian interests will be protected as some Russian gas will still be transported via the country once Nord Stream 2 is online.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also weighed in on the transatlantic row last week, saying "European energy policy should be decided in Europe, not in the United States." 
&nbsp;

A letter envoy Richard Grenell sent to several businesses 'reminds that any company operating in the Russian energy export pipeline sector... is in danger under CAATSA of US sanctions,' an embassy spokesman said.

The US ambassador to Germany has warned of sanctions against firms linked to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, the American embassy in Berlin confirmed Sunday. A letter envoy Richard Grenell sent to several businesses "reminds that any company operating in the Russian energy export pipeline sector... is in danger under CAATSA of US sanctions," an embassy spokesman told AFP. The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) adopted in 2017 targets Iran, Russia, and North Korea. Close Donald Trump ally Grenell's letter "is not meant to be a threat, but a clear message of US policy," the spokesman said. "The only thing that could be considered blackmail in this situation would be the Kremlin having leverage over future gas supplies," he said. Construction has already begun on Nord Stream 2, set to double the capacity of an existing pipeline across the Baltic Sea. Firms including Germany's Wintershall and Uniper, Dutch-British Shell, France's Engie and Austria's OMV are involved in the project. Combined with the planned TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea, Nord Stream 2 would do away with the need to transport natural gas to Europe via Ukraine — robbing the country of a factor shielding it from Russian aggression, Grenell said. The two countries are in conflict over the eastern part of Ukraine and the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia in 2014. "Firms supporting the construction of the two pipelines are actively undermining the security of Ukraine and Europe," Grenell wrote. Washington's fears about the pipeline are shared by a number of eastern European Union countries including Poland, and the European Parliament last month passed a resolution condemning the construction. But German Chancellor Angela Merkel, backed by France and Austria, has so far insisted it is a "purely economic project" that will ensure cheaper, more reliable gas supply. The veteran leader — a key player in Moscow-Kiev peace talks — says Ukrainian interests will be protected as some Russian gas will still be transported via the country once Nord Stream 2 is online. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also weighed in on the transatlantic row last week, saying "European energy policy should be decided in Europe, not in the United States."

US threatens sanctions over Russia-Germany gas pipeline

Officials in southern Germany declared a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-snowfall-causes-roads-blocks-and-leaving-house-without-power-27905">state of emergency on Monday</a>&nbsp;as a winter storm deposited more than half a meter of snow in parts of southern Bavaria.

The area suffered traffic chaos<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/schools-closed-flights-delayed-after-united-kingdom-snowfall-26460"> during the weekend and the regional</a> rail service suffered delays and cancellations.

On Monday, roads were blocked and schools were closed. A spokesperson for the district of Miesbach said residents had been warned about avalanches and snow-related dangers, for instance falling tree branches.

"It's very different, of course, from North to South. Here in the Bavarian Alps, it has snowed a lot the past few days. For this reason, we have very high snow, and the risk of avalanches is very big, spokesman for Bavaria's mountrain rescue team said, adding,"Bavarian avalanche warning institute has issued a level 4 warning, the second highest, which also poses a high risk of avalanches in unsecured skiing areas."&nbsp;

The town of Warngau, on the northern edge of the Alps, was covered in almost a meter of snow and its residents were working hard to remove it from the streets.

Some were delighted to have a white layer blanketing their town, but others found it rather inconvenient.

In some areas, the avalanche warning has been raised to level 4, implying that large avalanches can occur due to the weight of the snow without human intervention.

A 20-year-old woman had died after she was buried by an avalanche on the Teisenberg mountain range in Upper Bavaria, near the Austrian border. Meteorologists said they expected the region, already hit by days of heavy snow, to see a further 10 to 40 centimetres (four to 16 inches) of the white stuff by Monday.

Officials in southern Germany declared a state of emergency on Monday as a winter storm deposited more than half a meter of snow in parts of southern Bavaria. The area suffered traffic chaos during the weekend and the regional rail service suffered delays and cancellations.

Officials in southern Germany declared a state of emergency on Monday as a winter storm deposited more than half a meter of snow in parts of southern Bavaria. The area suffered traffic chaos during the weekend and the regional rail service suffered delays and cancellations. On Monday, roads were blocked and schools were closed. A spokesperson for the district of Miesbach said residents had been warned about avalanches and snow-related dangers, for instance falling tree branches. "It's very different, of course, from North to South. Here in the Bavarian Alps, it has snowed a lot the past few days. For this reason, we have very high snow, and the risk of avalanches is very big, spokesman for Bavaria's mountrain rescue team said, adding,"Bavarian avalanche warning institute has issued a level 4 warning, the second highest, which also poses a high risk of avalanches in unsecured skiing areas." The town of Warngau, on the northern edge of the Alps, was covered in almost a meter of snow and its residents were working hard to remove it from the streets. Some were delighted to have a white layer blanketing their town, but others found it rather inconvenient. In some areas, the avalanche warning has been raised to level 4, implying that large avalanches can occur due to the weight of the snow without human intervention. A 20-year-old woman had died after she was buried by an avalanche on the Teisenberg mountain range in Upper Bavaria, near the Austrian border. Meteorologists said they expected the region, already hit by days of heavy snow, to see a further 10 to 40 centimetres (four to 16 inches) of the white stuff by Monday.

Watch: Southern Germany declares emergency after heavy snowfall

A far-right German MP was seriously injured in a "politically motivated" gang attack in the north of the country, police said Tuesday.

Frank Magnitz, leader in Bremen of the anti-immigration populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD), was assaulted in the city centre on Monday afternoon.

"Given the victim's work, we believe that this is a politically motivated act," police said.

The AfD party published a photo of Magnitz unconscious on a hospital bed, his face bleeding and swollen with a gash on his forehead.&nbsp;

It said three masked men had carried out the attack.

"They hit him with a piece of wood until he was unconscious and then kicked him on the ground," a statement from the party said, adding that a construction worker had intervened to stop the assault.

"Today is a dark day for democracy in Germany."

AfD leader Joerg Meuthen tweeted that Magnitz was "beaten almost to death" in a "cowardly and sickening" attack.&nbsp;

Johannes Kahrs, an MP from the Social Democrats, junior partners in the ruling coalition, said "violence is never acceptable" and that "extremism in any form is rubbish". He wished Magnitz a quick recovery.

Cem Ozdemir of the opposition Greens party said he hoped those responsible could be "found and convicted soon" and that, even against a far-right party, "nothing justifies violence".

"Those who fight hate with hate only allow hate to win in the end," said the politician of Turkish origin. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, an explosive device detonated in a rubbish bin damaged an AfD office in Saxony. Three suspects were detained.

And last weekend in Lower Saxony, the home of a local AfD politician was targeted with graffiti and a party office was attacked with a paint bomb.&nbsp;

The AfD entered Germany's parliament with almost 13 percent of the vote in September 2017, making it the strongest opposition party in the Bundestag lower house.

The party is expected to make gains in European elections in May and three regional polls in the former communist east later this year.

A far-right German MP was seriously injured in a "politically motivated" gang attack in the north of the country, police said Tuesday. Frank Magnitz, leader in Bremen of the anti-immigration populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD), was assaulted in the city centre on Monday afternoon.

A far-right German MP was seriously injured in a "politically motivated" gang attack in the north of the country, police said Tuesday. Frank Magnitz, leader in Bremen of the anti-immigration populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD), was assaulted in the city centre on Monday afternoon. "Given the victim's work, we believe that this is a politically motivated act," police said. The AfD party published a photo of Magnitz unconscious on a hospital bed, his face bleeding and swollen with a gash on his forehead. It said three masked men had carried out the attack. "They hit him with a piece of wood until he was unconscious and then kicked him on the ground," a statement from the party said, adding that a construction worker had intervened to stop the assault. "Today is a dark day for democracy in Germany." AfD leader Joerg Meuthen tweeted that Magnitz was "beaten almost to death" in a "cowardly and sickening" attack. Johannes Kahrs, an MP from the Social Democrats, junior partners in the ruling coalition, said "violence is never acceptable" and that "extremism in any form is rubbish". He wished Magnitz a quick recovery. Cem Ozdemir of the opposition Greens party said he hoped those responsible could be "found and convicted soon" and that, even against a far-right party, "nothing justifies violence". "Those who fight hate with hate only allow hate to win in the end," said the politician of Turkish origin. Last week, an explosive device detonated in a rubbish bin damaged an AfD office in Saxony. Three suspects were detained. And last weekend in Lower Saxony, the home of a local AfD politician was targeted with graffiti and a party office was attacked with a paint bomb. The AfD entered Germany's parliament with almost 13 percent of the vote in September 2017, making it the strongest opposition party in the Bundestag lower house. The party is expected to make gains in European elections in May and three regional polls in the former communist east later this year.

German far-right MP seriously injured in targeted attack

Cargo ship's lost containers bring windfall to Dutch islanders

Police detained a 50-year-old German man early on Tuesday on suspicion of ramming his car into a crowd of people in the northwestern German town of Bottrop, injuring four, in what authorities say may have been a xenophobic attack.

The man, who fled the scene, made racist comments when he was later stopped and arrested, according to a statement by local police and prosecutors.

"Investigators suspect it was a deliberate attack that may be linked to the xenophobic views of the driver," the statement said. "In addition, investigators have preliminary information about a mental illness of the driver."

A police spokeswoman said Syrian and Afghan citizens were among those injured, but gave no further details. She said one of the four people injured remained in hospital.

The attack occurred after midnight on New Year's Eve at a crowded plaza in Bottrop.

Earlier the driver had steered his car at another pedestrian, who managed to escape unharmed, according to the statement. He also targeted people at a bus stop after fleeing the scene of the Bottrop attack, it said.

Police detained a 50-year-old German man early on Tuesday on suspicion of ramming his car into a crowd of people in the northwestern German town of Bottrop, injuring four, in what authorities say may have been a xenophobic attack.

Police detained a 50-year-old German man early on Tuesday on suspicion of ramming his car into a crowd of people in the northwestern German town of Bottrop, injuring four, in what authorities say may have been a xenophobic attack. The man, who fled the scene, made racist comments when he was later stopped and arrested, according to a statement by local police and prosecutors. "Investigators suspect it was a deliberate attack that may be linked to the xenophobic views of the driver," the statement said. "In addition, investigators have preliminary information about a mental illness of the driver." A police spokeswoman said Syrian and Afghan citizens were among those injured, but gave no further details. She said one of the four people injured remained in hospital. The attack occurred after midnight on New Year's Eve at a crowded plaza in Bottrop. Earlier the driver had steered his car at another pedestrian, who managed to escape unharmed, according to the statement. He also targeted people at a bus stop after fleeing the scene of the Bottrop attack, it said.

Four injured after German man rams car into crowd; racist motive suspected

The leaders of France and Germany on Friday reiterated their call for a "solid, full and permanent ceasefire" in Ukraine's conflict-torn east ahead of a planned cessation of hostilities.

Their remarks came a day after representatives from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-forgotten-ukraine-crisis-185797">Ukraine</a>, Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) announced that a fresh ceasefire would start Saturday morning.

More than 10,000 people have been killed since the Moscow-backed insurgency broke out in eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions in April 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

The 2015 Minsk summit laid out a ceasefire and international monitoring in eastern Ukraine, but a pro-Russian insurgency has persisted.

In a joint statement, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-may-defiant-emmanuel-macron-contrite-amid-crises-that-threaten-the-eus-stability-184093">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-life-and-times-of-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-184967">German Chancellor Angela Merkel</a> welcomed the latest ceasefire announcement.

"The approach of the New Year's and Orthodox Christmas holidays must serve as an opportunity for the stakeholders in the conflict in eastern Ukraine to focus on the needs of civilians, who have suffered all too long as a result of this conflict and its consequences," the leaders said.

"The guarantee of a safe and secure environment should enable the implementation of crucial humanitarian measures. We now call on the parties to assume their full responsibilities, especially with regard to civilians in the area."&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced the end of martial law in the country's border regions, which was introduced last month after Russia's seizure of three of Kiev's navy vessels in the Sea of Azov.

Russian border patrol boats fired on, boarded and seized the three Ukrainian vessels, along with 24 sailors, in November off the coast of Crimea. The sailors are still being held in detention by Russian authorities.

Macron and Merkel said these "excessive inspections" were a source of "deep concern".

"We call for all ships using the Kerch Strait to be given safe, free, and unhindered passage, and for the immediate and unconditional release of the Ukrainian sailors. They too must be allowed to spend the holidays with their families."&nbsp;

In a separate statement, Merkel's office said the chancellor had also discussed the Ukrainian issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call Friday and urged the release of the sailors.

The leaders of France and Germany on Friday reiterated their call for a "solid, full and permanent ceasefire" in Ukraine's conflict-torn east ahead of a planned cessation of hostilities.

The leaders of France and Germany on Friday reiterated their call for a "solid, full and permanent ceasefire" in Ukraine's conflict-torn east ahead of a planned cessation of hostilities. Their remarks came a day after representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) announced that a fresh ceasefire would start Saturday morning. More than 10,000 people have been killed since the Moscow-backed insurgency broke out in eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions in April 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The 2015 Minsk summit laid out a ceasefire and international monitoring in eastern Ukraine, but a pro-Russian insurgency has persisted. In a joint statement, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the latest ceasefire announcement. "The approach of the New Year's and Orthodox Christmas holidays must serve as an opportunity for the stakeholders in the conflict in eastern Ukraine to focus on the needs of civilians, who have suffered all too long as a result of this conflict and its consequences," the leaders said. "The guarantee of a safe and secure environment should enable the implementation of crucial humanitarian measures. We now call on the parties to assume their full responsibilities, especially with regard to civilians in the area." On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced the end of martial law in the country's border regions, which was introduced last month after Russia's seizure of three of Kiev's navy vessels in the Sea of Azov. Russian border patrol boats fired on, boarded and seized the three Ukrainian vessels, along with 24 sailors, in November off the coast of Crimea. The sailors are still being held in detention by Russian authorities. Macron and Merkel said these "excessive inspections" were a source of "deep concern". "We call for all ships using the Kerch Strait to be given safe, free, and unhindered passage, and for the immediate and unconditional release of the Ukrainian sailors. They too must be allowed to spend the holidays with their families." In a separate statement, Merkel's office said the chancellor had also discussed the Ukrainian issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call Friday and urged the release of the sailors.

Macron, Merkel urge 'full' Ukraine ceasefire ahead of planned truce

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 21st, 2018

Breaking News: Jim Mattis to step down in February, 2019

Germany was Wednesday set to toughen rules on non-EU share purchases and acquisitions of its strategic companies, amid growing disquiet about takeovers by Chinese firms.

It plans to lower the threshold where reviews apply to foreign purchase offers of 10 per cent of companies, down from 25 per cent now.

Germany and other EU states have voiced growing concern in recent years as Chinese companies have bought up, or purchased controlling stakes in, high-tech firms, airports and harbours.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet planned to approve the change to the Foreign Trade Regulation, and Economy Minister Peter Altmaier was then to give a statement at 1130 GMT.

The update would strengthen government powers to review and possibly block foreign purchases in companies that are crucial to Germany's defence or "critical infrastructure".

This would include military, IT security and power companies but also, for example, large food producers reported the business daily Handelsblatt.

"The test criterion is whether an acquisition endangers the public order or security of the Federal Republic of Germany," an economy ministry spokesman told AFP.

The alarm has grown in Germany about losing valuable knowhow since Chinese appliance giant Midea in mid-2016 took over German industrial robotics supplier Kuka.

In mid-2017 Germany tightened scrutiny of non-EU takeovers of strategic companies, doubling to four months the time for reviews, and broadening the range of sectors.

'National security'&nbsp;

In February, Germany raised no objections when Chinese billionaire Li Shufu bought a near 10-per cent stake in the Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler.

However, in July, the state took a minority stake in electricity transmission firm 50 Hertz, citing national security reasons, to thwart Chinese investors from buying into it.

Germany has been discussing similar protective steps at the EU level with France and Italy.

"The aim is to be able to intervene nationally, in individual cases, against state-controlled or state-financed strategic direct investments," said the economy ministry.

This could apply where the home country of the purchasing company financially supports a takeover bid at above-market prices or through political incentives.

German business groups criticised Berlin's move Wednesday as overly protectionist and ultimately harmful.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry called the change "problematic", warning that it sends a "negative signal to our foreign partners".

And the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association charged that it "is politically motivated and creates additional uncertainty among foreign investors".

"Germany relies on open markets, including foreign investment," said its chief executive Thilo Brodtmann. "Conversely, we also expect open investment markets from our partner countries outside the EU."

The economy ministry insisted that "this is not about more prohibitions but about strengthening the capacity to find out whether legitimate security interests of Germany are affected".

Germany had reviewed 80 to 100 purchase offers annually in recent years "without discrimination and regardless of origin of the buyer" and had so far never blocked an offer, he said.

This proved that "Germany remains one of the world's most open investment locations".

Germany was Wednesday set to toughen rules on non-EU share purchases and acquisitions of its strategic companies, amid growing disquiet about takeovers by Chinese firms.

Germany was Wednesday set to toughen rules on non-EU share purchases and acquisitions of its strategic companies, amid growing disquiet about takeovers by Chinese firms. It plans to lower the threshold where reviews apply to foreign purchase offers of 10 per cent of companies, down from 25 per cent now. Germany and other EU states have voiced growing concern in recent years as Chinese companies have bought up, or purchased controlling stakes in, high-tech firms, airports and harbours. Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet planned to approve the change to the Foreign Trade Regulation, and Economy Minister Peter Altmaier was then to give a statement at 1130 GMT. The update would strengthen government powers to review and possibly block foreign purchases in companies that are crucial to Germany's defence or "critical infrastructure". This would include military, IT security and power companies but also, for example, large food producers reported the business daily Handelsblatt. "The test criterion is whether an acquisition endangers the public order or security of the Federal Republic of Germany," an economy ministry spokesman told AFP. The alarm has grown in Germany about losing valuable knowhow since Chinese appliance giant Midea in mid-2016 took over German industrial robotics supplier Kuka. In mid-2017 Germany tightened scrutiny of non-EU takeovers of strategic companies, doubling to four months the time for reviews, and broadening the range of sectors. 'National security' In February, Germany raised no objections when Chinese billionaire Li Shufu bought a near 10-per cent stake in the Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler. However, in July, the state took a minority stake in electricity transmission firm 50 Hertz, citing national security reasons, to thwart Chinese investors from buying into it. Germany has been discussing similar protective steps at the EU level with France and Italy. "The aim is to be able to intervene nationally, in individual cases, against state-controlled or state-financed strategic direct investments," said the economy ministry. This could apply where the home country of the purchasing company financially supports a takeover bid at above-market prices or through political incentives. German business groups criticised Berlin's move Wednesday as overly protectionist and ultimately harmful. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry called the change "problematic", warning that it sends a "negative signal to our foreign partners". And the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association charged that it "is politically motivated and creates additional uncertainty among foreign investors". "Germany relies on open markets, including foreign investment," said its chief executive Thilo Brodtmann. "Conversely, we also expect open investment markets from our partner countries outside the EU." The economy ministry insisted that "this is not about more prohibitions but about strengthening the capacity to find out whether legitimate security interests of Germany are affected". Germany had reviewed 80 to 100 purchase offers annually in recent years "without discrimination and regardless of origin of the buyer" and had so far never blocked an offer, he said. This proved that "Germany remains one of the world's most open investment locations".

With eye on China, Germany toughens rules for foreign buyouts

Germany will close its last black coal mine on Friday, turning the page on two centuries of mining history in the Ruhr region that helped fuel the country's post-war "economic miracle".

Although the end of the Prosper-Haniel colliery near the western town of Bottrop comes as polluting coal is increasingly under scrutiny, it was cheaper hard coal from abroad, not environmental concerns, that sounded the mine's death knell.

For the remaining 1,500 workers, the final shift promises to be an emotional one, culminating in a ceremony to be attended by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

After greeting each other one more time with the traditional miners' call of "Glueck Auf!", shorthand for good luck in opening a new vein, the workers will bring up a symbolic last chunk of black coal before the 150-year-old deep-shaft mine is sealed up.

"There's a heavy sadness now that it's all going to be over soon," 47-year-old miner Thomas Echtermeyer told Bild newspaper, wearing dusty white overalls and yellow hard hat.

Retired pitman Reinhold Adam, 72, who recently visited the mine for a final, nostalgic descent into its belly, told Bild it was "the camaraderie that's so special under ground".

With its own vernacular, songs, football clubs and church services dedicated to Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, generations-old mining traditions are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life in the region.

As the area's last active mine bows out, many are mourning not just the end of a once-mighty industry but of a way of life.

Powering a nation

Dating back to the 19th century, the coal mines, plants and steel mills that once dotted the Ruhr Valley in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia were long the beating heart of Germany's industrial growth, powering its economic recovery after World War II.

"For 150 years, coal was the country's main energy resource and most important raw material," said historian Franz-Josef Brueggemeier, author of a study on the Ruhr's mining history.

The mines also midwived Germany's oldest political party, the centre-left Social Democrats, who found a large support base for their social struggles among the blue-collar pit workers.

Western Germany's tight grip on the crucial coal and steel sectors inspired France to propose the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, a common market between six countries designed to regulate competition — and a precursor to the European Union.

But Germany's dominance in the hard- or black-coal market started to wane in the 1960s as foreign rivals made it cheaper to import the "black gold".

Today most of the hard coal used in German coal-fired power plants hails from Russia, the United States, Australia and Columbia.

The domestic industry and the tens of thousands of jobs relying on it have for years been kept on life support through government subsidies.

In 2017 alone, the German government spent more than a billion euros propping up hard-coal mining.

Phasing out coal

"(Bringing up) a tonne of German hard coal costs 250 euros ($285), but only sells for 80 euros on the market," said Christof Beike, a spokesman for the RAG Foundation, tasked with managing the Prosper-Haniel site after its closure and helping miners navigate the changes.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government decided in 2007 to phase out subsidies and close the last black-coal mine by 2018 — giving the workers of Prosper-Haniel 11 years' notice.

The slow farewell has been credited with preventing large-scale upheaval and angry protests, dodging the unrest seen in Margaret Thatcher's Britain in the 1980s when colliery closures provoked mass strikes.

But Germany's farewell to black-coal mining is by no means an exit from coal altogether in a country where the fossil fuel still accounts for almost 40 per cent of its energy mix — partly because of Merkel's decision to ditch nuclear power.

To the dismay of environmentalists, Germany still has numerous open-pit mines that extract lignite or brown coal, which is softer, cheaper and dirtier than black coal.

But it is an industry under growing threat as countries around the world look for ways to phase out fossil fuels to combat climate change.

In Germany, a government-appointed commission will in February announce a roadmap for exiting coal as part of efforts to make the country carbon-neutral by 2050.

Germany will close its last black coal mine on Friday, turning the page on two centuries of mining history in the Ruhr region that helped fuel the country's post-war "economic miracle".

Germany will close its last black coal mine on Friday, turning the page on two centuries of mining history in the Ruhr region that helped fuel the country's post-war "economic miracle". Although the end of the Prosper-Haniel colliery near the western town of Bottrop comes as polluting coal is increasingly under scrutiny, it was cheaper hard coal from abroad, not environmental concerns, that sounded the mine's death knell. For the remaining 1,500 workers, the final shift promises to be an emotional one, culminating in a ceremony to be attended by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker. After greeting each other one more time with the traditional miners' call of "Glueck Auf!", shorthand for good luck in opening a new vein, the workers will bring up a symbolic last chunk of black coal before the 150-year-old deep-shaft mine is sealed up. "There's a heavy sadness now that it's all going to be over soon," 47-year-old miner Thomas Echtermeyer told Bild newspaper, wearing dusty white overalls and yellow hard hat. Retired pitman Reinhold Adam, 72, who recently visited the mine for a final, nostalgic descent into its belly, told Bild it was "the camaraderie that's so special under ground". With its own vernacular, songs, football clubs and church services dedicated to Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, generations-old mining traditions are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life in the region. As the area's last active mine bows out, many are mourning not just the end of a once-mighty industry but of a way of life. Powering a nation Dating back to the 19th century, the coal mines, plants and steel mills that once dotted the Ruhr Valley in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia were long the beating heart of Germany's industrial growth, powering its economic recovery after World War II. "For 150 years, coal was the country's main energy resource and most important raw material," said historian Franz-Josef Brueggemeier, author of a study on the Ruhr's mining history. The mines also midwived Germany's oldest political party, the centre-left Social Democrats, who found a large support base for their social struggles among the blue-collar pit workers. Western Germany's tight grip on the crucial coal and steel sectors inspired France to propose the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, a common market between six countries designed to regulate competition — and a precursor to the European Union. But Germany's dominance in the hard- or black-coal market started to wane in the 1960s as foreign rivals made it cheaper to import the "black gold". Today most of the hard coal used in German coal-fired power plants hails from Russia, the United States, Australia and Columbia. The domestic industry and the tens of thousands of jobs relying on it have for years been kept on life support through government subsidies. In 2017 alone, the German government spent more than a billion euros propping up hard-coal mining. Phasing out coal "(Bringing up) a tonne of German hard coal costs 250 euros ($285), but only sells for 80 euros on the market," said Christof Beike, a spokesman for the RAG Foundation, tasked with managing the Prosper-Haniel site after its closure and helping miners navigate the changes. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government decided in 2007 to phase out subsidies and close the last black-coal mine by 2018 — giving the workers of Prosper-Haniel 11 years' notice. The slow farewell has been credited with preventing large-scale upheaval and angry protests, dodging the unrest seen in Margaret Thatcher's Britain in the 1980s when colliery closures provoked mass strikes. But Germany's farewell to black-coal mining is by no means an exit from coal altogether in a country where the fossil fuel still accounts for almost 40 per cent of its energy mix — partly because of Merkel's decision to ditch nuclear power. To the dismay of environmentalists, Germany still has numerous open-pit mines that extract lignite or brown coal, which is softer, cheaper and dirtier than black coal. But it is an industry under growing threat as countries around the world look for ways to phase out fossil fuels to combat climate change. In Germany, a government-appointed commission will in February announce a roadmap for exiting coal as part of efforts to make the country carbon-neutral by 2050.

End of an era as Germany's last black coal mine closes

German trade union Verdi called on workers at two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-targets-airports-for-checkout-free-store-expansion-182339">Amazon logistic centres</a> to strike on Monday, part of a long-running campaign for better pay and conditions.

Verdi has organized frequent strikes at Amazon in Germany since 2013 to press demands for the retailer to raise pay for warehouse workers in accordance with collective bargaining agreements in Germany's mail order and retail industry.

Amazon has repeatedly rejected Verdi's demands, saying it believes warehouse staff should be paid in line with competitors in the logistics sector, not as retail staff. Germany is Amazon's second-biggest market after the United States.

Workers in Germany and Spain staged strikes last month on Black Friday, the discount spending spree that kicks off the start of the crucial Christmas shopping season, but Amazon said there was no impact on customer orders.

On Monday, Verdi called on workers to strike at a warehouse in Werne in the west of the country until Tuesday, while it said the protest should continue until Christmas at the Amazon warehouse in the eastern city of Leipzig.

A spokesman said it was possible that workers might also take action at other Amazon locations.

"We have repeatedly given Amazon more time to react to our demands," said Verdi representative Thomas Schneider, saying it was a "provocation" that Amazon refused to negotiate.

"We will see whether their promises to customers to delivery parcels punctually by Christmas Eve can be met."

German trade union Verdi called on workers at two Amazon logistic centres to strike on Monday, part of a long-running campaign for better pay and conditions. Verdi has organized frequent strikes at Amazon in Germany since 2013 to press demands for the retailer to raise pay for warehouse workers in accordance with collective bargaining agreements in Germany's mail order and retail industry.

German trade union Verdi called on workers at two Amazon logistic centres to strike on Monday, part of a long-running campaign for better pay and conditions. Verdi has organized frequent strikes at Amazon in Germany since 2013 to press demands for the retailer to raise pay for warehouse workers in accordance with collective bargaining agreements in Germany's mail order and retail industry. Amazon has repeatedly rejected Verdi's demands, saying it believes warehouse staff should be paid in line with competitors in the logistics sector, not as retail staff. Germany is Amazon's second-biggest market after the United States. Workers in Germany and Spain staged strikes last month on Black Friday, the discount spending spree that kicks off the start of the crucial Christmas shopping season, but Amazon said there was no impact on customer orders. On Monday, Verdi called on workers to strike at a warehouse in Werne in the west of the country until Tuesday, while it said the protest should continue until Christmas at the Amazon warehouse in the eastern city of Leipzig. A spokesman said it was possible that workers might also take action at other Amazon locations. "We have repeatedly given Amazon more time to react to our demands," said Verdi representative Thomas Schneider, saying it was a "provocation" that Amazon refused to negotiate. "We will see whether their promises to customers to delivery parcels punctually by Christmas Eve can be met."

German union calls strike at Amazon warehouses

German railway workers go on strike

Olympic bronze medallist Germany defeated Malaysia 5-3 in a keenly-contested match to maintain their all-win record and seal a direct quarterfinal spot by topping Pool D at the men's hockey World Cup here on Sunday.

Germany finished their pool engagements with a maximum of nine points from three games.

Tim Herzbruch (2nd, 59th minutes) and Christopher Ruhr (14th, 18th) scored two goals each while Marco Miltkau (39th) struck the other one for the world number 6 Germans.

Malaysia's all three goals came from penalty corner conversions by Razie Rahim (26th, 42nd) and Nabil Noor (28th).

By virtue of this win, the Germans joined two-time champions Australia, Olympic champions Argentina and hosts India in the quarterfinals.

Asian Games silver medallist Malaysia are all but out of the tournament as they are placed last in Pool D with just one point and an inferior goal difference.

Only a miracle can save Malaysia from packing their bags. They can still remain in the fray if the Netherlands beat Pakistan by at least eight goals or more.

Both the teams had their chances in the game but it was Germany who were more precise with their finishing skills.

The Germans started brightly and raced to a 3-0 lead inside 18 minutes through goals from Herzbruch and Ruhr.

But the Malaysians tried to make a valiant fightback and managed to reduce the margin to 2-3 in the 28th minute through goals from Rahim and Noor.

The clinical Germans capitalised on Malaysia's defensive errors when Miltkau deflected in a Niklas Wellen's perfect lay-off in the 39th minute.

The Malaysians did not give up and narrowed down the gap to 3-4 when Rahim converted another penalty corner.

The Germans had the last laugh when Miltkau scored from a counter-attack just a minute from the final hooter to dash any hopes of Malaysia's comeback.

Both the teams had numerous scoring opportunities in the form of penalty corners. While Malaysia earned as many as eight penalty corners, the Germans secured seven in the match.

Olympic bronze medallist Germany defeated Malaysia 5-3 in a keenly-contested match to maintain their all-win record and seal a direct quarterfinal spot by topping Pool D at the men's hockey World Cup here on Sunday.

Olympic bronze medallist Germany defeated Malaysia 5-3 in a keenly-contested match to maintain their all-win record and seal a direct quarterfinal spot by topping Pool D at the men's hockey World Cup here on Sunday. Germany finished their pool engagements with a maximum of nine points from three games. Tim Herzbruch (2nd, 59th minutes) and Christopher Ruhr (14th, 18th) scored two goals each while Marco Miltkau (39th) struck the other one for the world number 6 Germans. Malaysia's all three goals came from penalty corner conversions by Razie Rahim (26th, 42nd) and Nabil Noor (28th). By virtue of this win, the Germans joined two-time champions Australia, Olympic champions Argentina and hosts India in the quarterfinals. Asian Games silver medallist Malaysia are all but out of the tournament as they are placed last in Pool D with just one point and an inferior goal difference. Only a miracle can save Malaysia from packing their bags. They can still remain in the fray if the Netherlands beat Pakistan by at least eight goals or more. Both the teams had their chances in the game but it was Germany who were more precise with their finishing skills. The Germans started brightly and raced to a 3-0 lead inside 18 minutes through goals from Herzbruch and Ruhr. But the Malaysians tried to make a valiant fightback and managed to reduce the margin to 2-3 in the 28th minute through goals from Rahim and Noor. The clinical Germans capitalised on Malaysia's defensive errors when Miltkau deflected in a Niklas Wellen's perfect lay-off in the 39th minute. The Malaysians did not give up and narrowed down the gap to 3-4 when Rahim converted another penalty corner. The Germans had the last laugh when Miltkau scored from a counter-attack just a minute from the final hooter to dash any hopes of Malaysia's comeback. Both the teams had numerous scoring opportunities in the form of penalty corners. While Malaysia earned as many as eight penalty corners, the Germans secured seven in the match.

Hockey World Cup: Germany beat Malaysia 5-3 to book quarterfinal berth

Dismayed by the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/europe/germany-annegret-kramp-karrenbauer-to-replace-merkel-as-cdu-leader-182312"> German government</a>'s failure to meet climate protection targets, dairy farmer Heiner Luetke Schwienhorst has filed a lawsuit against Berlin to force it into action.

"Some describe this as a fight between David and Goliath. To me, that's beside the point," said Schwienhorst, who suffered his poorest harvest in three decades after a record drought.

"The attitude of political representatives, the way they trivialise climate targets by giving up what they have set, is something that we need to bring to political accountability. That is important," he told AFP.

Together with two other farmers and Greenpeace, Schwienhorst has launched a challenge against the German government for having "given up" trying to achieve cuts in greenhouse gas emissions set out under its own climate target, as well as under European law.

A dairy farmer near Hamburg and a livestock farmer on the North Sea island of Pellworm have joined the first such lawsuit to seek "climate protection, not monetary compensation".

Berlin had pledged to take action to slash greenhouse gas emissions in Germany by 40 per cent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels.

But in its latest annual climate protection report published in June, the government admitted that it was now expecting to achieve 32 per cent in reductions compared to 1990.

The shortfall of 8 percentage points is equivalent to about 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

"It was clear in the climate protection report that the government is not planning to take further measures in order to reach the target. Instead, it has simply given up," said Anike Peters of Greenpeace.

"We're saying we're not going to accept this. Because it's not about a lack of technical possibilities to reach the target, rather it's about a lack of political will.

'Do what you promised'&nbsp;

With the help of lawyer Roda Verheyen, the plaintiffs lodged their case at the administrative court in Berlin at the end of October.

The court now needs to decide if there is any merit to the case.

Verheyen is no stranger to such climate cases.&nbsp;

In another high profile case in Germany, she helped bring to court a challenge by a Peruvian farmer against energy giant RWE over climate change damage in the Andes.

While the initial ruling went against them, the case is now at the appeals court.

Verheyen said that in her latest case, the issue is whether the government can be held liable for failing to implement climate protection measures, as the targets it set are not written into law.

"Here the plaintiff families say, yes. Do what you've promised, government, implement the 2020 climate protection goal."

The environment ministry, which is taking the lead in responding to the case, said the plaintiffs had every right to bring the issue to court "to seek public attention" and increase the pressure for better climate protection.

"Although Germany's climate protection efforts have made progress, they have not yet reached our goals," ministry spokesman Andreas Kuebler told AFP. "That's why we're focusing on getting ahead in climate protection.

"We are united in the same goal," Kuebler said. It was up to the court to decide whether the legal action was justified.

'Frightening'&nbsp;

For Schwienhorst, who has run the dairy farm in Vetschau, eastern Germany, for 30 years, the impact of a warming Earth is apparent.

Compared to the 1990s, the period of vegetation growth in a year has lengthened, while maximum temperatures have also pushed above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

"The change in the last decades is already impressive. But what happened this summer is simply frightening," he said, referring to a record drought unseen in Germany since 1911.

The dry spell has stretched from late spring, even halting water traffic across the country, including on the Rhine, one of Europe's busiest commercial arteries.

"We are still now in the phase when rain isn't expected. I'm speechless," said Schwienhorst. That those who dismiss such weather phenomena as one-offs are "impertinent", he added.

The climate also has a direct impact on his livelihood.

A summer with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius put the cows under great stress, and the drought meant his poorest harvest in the last three decades.

Schwienhorst pointed to the barn, which was far from full. This year's cereal crop&nbsp;for human consumption&nbsp;was 35 per cent below the previous year.

His losses in livestock feed crop were even more serious: up to 50 per cent, forcing him to buy 400 bales of hay.

Crucially, the farm has been forced to use up a rolling four-month reserve of feed for the cows by the summer.

"There's still hope that this weather will turn, that after this dry phase a wet phase will come. But looking at the trend, change is happening. That is indisputable."

Dismayed by the German government's failure to meet climate protection targets, dairy farmer Heiner Luetke Schwienhorst has filed a lawsuit against Berlin to force it into action.

Dismayed by the German government's failure to meet climate protection targets, dairy farmer Heiner Luetke Schwienhorst has filed a lawsuit against Berlin to force it into action. "Some describe this as a fight between David and Goliath. To me, that's beside the point," said Schwienhorst, who suffered his poorest harvest in three decades after a record drought. "The attitude of political representatives, the way they trivialise climate targets by giving up what they have set, is something that we need to bring to political accountability. That is important," he told AFP. Together with two other farmers and Greenpeace, Schwienhorst has launched a challenge against the German government for having "given up" trying to achieve cuts in greenhouse gas emissions set out under its own climate target, as well as under European law. A dairy farmer near Hamburg and a livestock farmer on the North Sea island of Pellworm have joined the first such lawsuit to seek "climate protection, not monetary compensation". Berlin had pledged to take action to slash greenhouse gas emissions in Germany by 40 per cent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. But in its latest annual climate protection report published in June, the government admitted that it was now expecting to achieve 32 per cent in reductions compared to 1990. The shortfall of 8 percentage points is equivalent to about 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. "It was clear in the climate protection report that the government is not planning to take further measures in order to reach the target. Instead, it has simply given up," said Anike Peters of Greenpeace. "We're saying we're not going to accept this. Because it's not about a lack of technical possibilities to reach the target, rather it's about a lack of political will. 'Do what you promised' With the help of lawyer Roda Verheyen, the plaintiffs lodged their case at the administrative court in Berlin at the end of October. The court now needs to decide if there is any merit to the case. Verheyen is no stranger to such climate cases. In another high profile case in Germany, she helped bring to court a challenge by a Peruvian farmer against energy giant RWE over climate change damage in the Andes. While the initial ruling went against them, the case is now at the appeals court. Verheyen said that in her latest case, the issue is whether the government can be held liable for failing to implement climate protection measures, as the targets it set are not written into law. "Here the plaintiff families say, yes. Do what you've promised, government, implement the 2020 climate protection goal." The environment ministry, which is taking the lead in responding to the case, said the plaintiffs had every right to bring the issue to court "to seek public attention" and increase the pressure for better climate protection. "Although Germany's climate protection efforts have made progress, they have not yet reached our goals," ministry spokesman Andreas Kuebler told AFP. "That's why we're focusing on getting ahead in climate protection. "We are united in the same goal," Kuebler said. It was up to the court to decide whether the legal action was justified. 'Frightening' For Schwienhorst, who has run the dairy farm in Vetschau, eastern Germany, for 30 years, the impact of a warming Earth is apparent. Compared to the 1990s, the period of vegetation growth in a year has lengthened, while maximum temperatures have also pushed above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). "The change in the last decades is already impressive. But what happened this summer is simply frightening," he said, referring to a record drought unseen in Germany since 1911. The dry spell has stretched from late spring, even halting water traffic across the country, including on the Rhine, one of Europe's busiest commercial arteries. "We are still now in the phase when rain isn't expected. I'm speechless," said Schwienhorst. That those who dismiss such weather phenomena as one-offs are "impertinent", he added. The climate also has a direct impact on his livelihood. A summer with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius put the cows under great stress, and the drought meant his poorest harvest in the last three decades. Schwienhorst pointed to the barn, which was far from full. This year's cereal crop for human consumption was 35 per cent below the previous year. His losses in livestock feed crop were even more serious: up to 50 per cent, forcing him to buy 400 bales of hay. Crucially, the farm has been forced to use up a rolling four-month reserve of feed for the cows by the summer. "There's still hope that this weather will turn, that after this dry phase a wet phase will come. But looking at the trend, change is happening. That is indisputable."

German farmers sue government over missed climate targets

Germany's Christian Democrats <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-what-angela-merkels-decision-to-step-aside-means-for-germany-174818">elected Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer</a> on Friday to replace Angela Merkel as party leader, a decision that moves her into pole position to succeed Europe's most influential leader as chancellor.

Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, is Merkel's protege and was the continuity candidate favoured by the party elite.

She won the leadership with 517 votes from 999 votes cast by delegates. Her rival, Friedrich Merz, won 482 votes in a run-off.

A former state premier in Saarland, where she led a three-way coalition, Kramp-Karrenbauer has a reputation for uniting support across the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a talent for striking alliances with other parties.

Sometimes dubbed "mini&nbsp;Merkel", Kramp-Karrenbauer is admired by the CDU upper echelons for her appeal across the party.

"I have read a lot about what I am and who I am: 'mini', a copy, simply 'more of the same'. Dear delegates, I stand before you as I am and as life made me and I am proud of that," Kramp-Karrenbauer said in a passionate speech to the Congress.

Playing up her experience in regional government, she added to cheers and loud applause: "I learned what it is to lead - and above all learnt that leadership is more about being strong on the inside than being loud on the outside."

Merkel&nbsp;said in October she would step down as party chief but remain chancellor, an effort to manage her exit after a series of setbacks since her divisive decision in 2015 to keep German borders open to refugees fleeing war in the Middle East.

There was jubilation as the result of the run-off was announced. A tearful Kramp-Karrenbauer thanked her rivals and invited them to share the stage with her in a show of party unity, which delegates applauded.

Earlier, an emotional&nbsp;Merkel&nbsp;bowed out as party leader, telling the Congress: "It has been a great pleasure for me, it has been an honour."

Kramp-Karrenbauer has differentiated herself from&nbsp;Merkel&nbsp;on social and foreign policy by voting in favour of quotas for women on corporate boards and taking a tougher line on Russia.

She told Reuters last week that Europe and the United States should consider blockading Russian ships over the Ukraine crisis.

But on what lies ahead for the CDU, Kramp-Karrenbauer said when campaigning: "I have no particular recipe."

During the campaign, she took a more cautious stance on the future of Europe than Merz, who said Germany should "contribute more" to the European Union as it benefits from a euro common currency that is "too weak for our economy".

Last month, Kramp-Karrenbauer told a business conference: "With every wish to take Europe forward with a German-French nucleus, the proposals must always fit with German interests."

Party insiders say she gets on well with&nbsp;Merkel. "The chemistry is good," said one senior CDU official.

&nbsp; &nbsp;

Germany's Christian Democrats elected Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Friday to replace Angela Merkel as party leader, a decision that moves her into pole position to succeed Europe's most influential leader as chancellor.

Germany's Christian Democrats elected Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Friday to replace Angela Merkel as party leader, a decision that moves her into pole position to succeed Europe's most influential leader as chancellor. Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, is Merkel's protege and was the continuity candidate favoured by the party elite. She won the leadership with 517 votes from 999 votes cast by delegates. Her rival, Friedrich Merz, won 482 votes in a run-off. A former state premier in Saarland, where she led a three-way coalition, Kramp-Karrenbauer has a reputation for uniting support across the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a talent for striking alliances with other parties. Sometimes dubbed "mini Merkel", Kramp-Karrenbauer is admired by the CDU upper echelons for her appeal across the party. "I have read a lot about what I am and who I am: 'mini', a copy, simply 'more of the same'. Dear delegates, I stand before you as I am and as life made me and I am proud of that," Kramp-Karrenbauer said in a passionate speech to the Congress. Playing up her experience in regional government, she added to cheers and loud applause: "I learned what it is to lead - and above all learnt that leadership is more about being strong on the inside than being loud on the outside." Merkel said in October she would step down as party chief but remain chancellor, an effort to manage her exit after a series of setbacks since her divisive decision in 2015 to keep German borders open to refugees fleeing war in the Middle East. There was jubilation as the result of the run-off was announced. A tearful Kramp-Karrenbauer thanked her rivals and invited them to share the stage with her in a show of party unity, which delegates applauded. Earlier, an emotional Merkel bowed out as party leader, telling the Congress: "It has been a great pleasure for me, it has been an honour." Kramp-Karrenbauer has differentiated herself from Merkel on social and foreign policy by voting in favour of quotas for women on corporate boards and taking a tougher line on Russia. She told Reuters last week that Europe and the United States should consider blockading Russian ships over the Ukraine crisis. But on what lies ahead for the CDU, Kramp-Karrenbauer said when campaigning: "I have no particular recipe." During the campaign, she took a more cautious stance on the future of Europe than Merz, who said Germany should "contribute more" to the European Union as it benefits from a euro common currency that is "too weak for our economy". Last month, Kramp-Karrenbauer told a business conference: "With every wish to take Europe forward with a German-French nucleus, the proposals must always fit with German interests." Party insiders say she gets on well with Merkel. "The chemistry is good," said one senior CDU official.

Germany: Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to replace Merkel as CDU leader

Two-time champions Germany outclassed Netherlands 4-1 in their second Pool D match to inch closer towards booking a direct quarterfinal berth at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup here on Wednesday.

Germany came back from a goal down and scored through Mathias Muller (30th minute), Lukas Windfeder (52nd), Marco Miltkau (54th) and Christopher Ruhr (58th) to register their second consecutive win in the pool.

Netherlands, who took the early lead through Valentin Verga in the 13th minute, failed to capitalise the start.&nbsp;

After this win, Germany are atop Pool D with six points from two wins ahead of the Netherlands, who are on three points.

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Germany had earlier defeated Pakistan 1-0 in their opening match, while Netherlands had mauled Malaysia 7-0.

Two-time champions Germany outclassed Netherlands 4-1 in their second Pool D match to inch closer towards booking a direct quarterfinal berth at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup here on Wednesday.

Two-time champions Germany outclassed Netherlands 4-1 in their second Pool D match to inch closer towards booking a direct quarterfinal berth at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup here on Wednesday. Germany came back from a goal down and scored through Mathias Muller (30th minute), Lukas Windfeder (52nd), Marco Miltkau (54th) and Christopher Ruhr (58th) to register their second consecutive win in the pool. Netherlands, who took the early lead through Valentin Verga in the 13th minute, failed to capitalise the start. After this win, Germany are atop Pool D with six points from two wins ahead of the Netherlands, who are on three points. "Matches like these, keep the team grounded. We will come back stronger in all scenarios of the tournament which can arise now," says Chief Coach Maximiliano Caldas. #GERvNED #IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey pic.twitter.com/gQqwi0y1kj — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 5, 2018 × Germany had earlier defeated Pakistan 1-0 in their opening match, while Netherlands had mauled Malaysia 7-0.

Hockey World Cup: Germany score three late goals to beat Netherlands 4-1

Hanukkah illuminates Berlin with menorah lighting

Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday's draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group.

The Germans were the most dangerous team outside the first pot of seeds for the competition, relegated due to poor recent results which included losing to the Dutch in the Nations League.

Joachim Loew's side will also face Northern Ireland, who they met at the Euro 2016 finals, as well as Estonia and Belarus in Group C.

The top two teams in each of the 10 groups will qualify for Euro 2020, which for the first time will be staged in 12 different venues across the continent.

The semi-finals and final will be played at Wembley, handing England a major incentive to go on and win the competition, fresh from reaching the last four at this year's World Cup.

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Gareth Southgate's side will be happy with a draw which places them in Group A along with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Kosovo.

England are in a section with just five teams rather than six because they have qualified for the final four of the Nations League, which will be held next June in Portugal. The draw for that will take place on Monday.

World Cup winners France will meet Iceland and Turkey as well as Albania, Moldova and Andorra in Group H.

But with the top two in each group qualifying, and the safety net of play-offs to determine the last four qualifiers related to final positions in the recent Nations League, the prospect of any leading nation missing out on Euro 2020 is extremely slim.

The task looks tougher for Scotland as they aim to reach a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup -- they must take on Belgium, Russia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and San Marino in Group I.

Scotland have, at least, already secured a play-off spot after topping their Nations League section.

The Republic of Ireland, with a new manager in Mick McCarthy, will meet Switzerland and Denmark in Group D as well as Georgia and Gibraltar.

Wales must take on World Cup runners-up Croatia in Group E alongside Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan.

Arguably the toughest group is Group F in which Sweden, Norway and Romania will likely compete for one berth behind Spain.

The qualifiers will begin in March, with the final round of games in November 2019.

Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday's draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group.

Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday's draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group. The Germans were the most dangerous team outside the first pot of seeds for the competition, relegated due to poor recent results which included losing to the Dutch in the Nations League. Joachim Loew's side will also face Northern Ireland, who they met at the Euro 2016 finals, as well as Estonia and Belarus in Group C. The top two teams in each of the 10 groups will qualify for Euro 2020, which for the first time will be staged in 12 different venues across the continent. The semi-finals and final will be played at Wembley, handing England a major incentive to go on and win the competition, fresh from reaching the last four at this year's World Cup. View this post on Instagram #EURO2020 qualifying ✅ Toughest group? 🤔 A post shared by UEFA EURO 2020 (@euro2020) on Dec 2, 2018 at 4:00am PST × Gareth Southgate's side will be happy with a draw which places them in Group A along with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Kosovo. England are in a section with just five teams rather than six because they have qualified for the final four of the Nations League, which will be held next June in Portugal. The draw for that will take place on Monday. World Cup winners France will meet Iceland and Turkey as well as Albania, Moldova and Andorra in Group H. But with the top two in each group qualifying, and the safety net of play-offs to determine the last four qualifiers related to final positions in the recent Nations League, the prospect of any leading nation missing out on Euro 2020 is extremely slim. The task looks tougher for Scotland as they aim to reach a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup -- they must take on Belgium, Russia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and San Marino in Group I. Scotland have, at least, already secured a play-off spot after topping their Nations League section. The Republic of Ireland, with a new manager in Mick McCarthy, will meet Switzerland and Denmark in Group D as well as Georgia and Gibraltar. Wales must take on World Cup runners-up Croatia in Group E alongside Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan. Arguably the toughest group is Group F in which Sweden, Norway and Romania will likely compete for one berth behind Spain. The qualifiers will begin in March, with the final round of games in November 2019.

Germany, Netherlands to meet in Euro 2020 qualifying as England given clement draw

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will miss the opening of the G20 summit in Argentina after what she called a "serious malfunction" forced her government plane to make an unscheduled but safe landing.

Merkel and German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz will resume their travel to Buenos Aires early on Friday, but the long flight time means they will arrive after world leaders start their discussions.

The government`s Airbus A340 aircraft carrying Merkel and her delegation to the Group of 20 summit of industrialised nations turned around after technical problems surfaced an hour into the 15-hour flight, and landed safely at the Cologne-Bonn airport.

"It was a serious malfunction," Merkel told reporters hours later, after the delegation was brought to a hotel in Bonn. "Luckily, we had an excellent crew and the most experienced pilot of the special air mission wing."

The airplane captain told passengers he had decided to land after the "malfunction of several electronic systems", but said there had been no security risk.

Merkel and other passengers initially remained on board the aircraft, called "Konrad Adenauer", as mechanics inspected its brakes and several fire engines waited nearby, according to a Reuters reporter on board.

Der Spiegel magazine said the entire communication system malfunctioned, constituting a serious emergency, with the crew forced to plan the landing using an on-board satellite phone.

Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen was informed about the incident immediately, and tried for hours to organise an alternate aircraft to carry Merkel and her entourage.&nbsp;

The German military blog Augengeradeaus reported that the plane`s transponder was transmitting the code 7600 which refers to a radio malfunction.

Later, the delegation travelled by bus to a hotel in Bonn. Delegation sources said a different government plane would fly Merkel and Scholz to Madrid, where they would switch to a commercial carrier for the final leg of the trip.

The delay will complicate Merkel`s schedule at a meeting where the G20 members expect to face difficult negotiations on myriad issues.

Merkel, who had planned bilateral meetings with the presidents of the United States, China, Russia and India, was unlikely to arrive in Buenos Aires until Friday evening, German government sources said. It was not immediately clear which bilateral meetings would have to be rescheduled.

Scholz was grounded on the same A340 aircraft last month after an International Monetary Fund meeting in Indonesia, according to German media reports. They said the issue involved damage caused by rodents. 
&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will miss the opening of the G20 summit in Argentina after what she called a "serious malfunction" forced her government plane to make an unscheduled but safe landing.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will miss the opening of the G20 summit in Argentina after what she called a "serious malfunction" forced her government plane to make an unscheduled but safe landing. Merkel and German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz will resume their travel to Buenos Aires early on Friday, but the long flight time means they will arrive after world leaders start their discussions. The government`s Airbus A340 aircraft carrying Merkel and her delegation to the Group of 20 summit of industrialised nations turned around after technical problems surfaced an hour into the 15-hour flight, and landed safely at the Cologne-Bonn airport. "It was a serious malfunction," Merkel told reporters hours later, after the delegation was brought to a hotel in Bonn. "Luckily, we had an excellent crew and the most experienced pilot of the special air mission wing." The airplane captain told passengers he had decided to land after the "malfunction of several electronic systems", but said there had been no security risk. Merkel and other passengers initially remained on board the aircraft, called "Konrad Adenauer", as mechanics inspected its brakes and several fire engines waited nearby, according to a Reuters reporter on board. Der Spiegel magazine said the entire communication system malfunctioned, constituting a serious emergency, with the crew forced to plan the landing using an on-board satellite phone. Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen was informed about the incident immediately, and tried for hours to organise an alternate aircraft to carry Merkel and her entourage. The German military blog Augengeradeaus reported that the plane`s transponder was transmitting the code 7600 which refers to a radio malfunction. Later, the delegation travelled by bus to a hotel in Bonn. Delegation sources said a different government plane would fly Merkel and Scholz to Madrid, where they would switch to a commercial carrier for the final leg of the trip. The delay will complicate Merkel`s schedule at a meeting where the G20 members expect to face difficult negotiations on myriad issues. Merkel, who had planned bilateral meetings with the presidents of the United States, China, Russia and India, was unlikely to arrive in Buenos Aires until Friday evening, German government sources said. It was not immediately clear which bilateral meetings would have to be rescheduled. Scholz was grounded on the same A340 aircraft last month after an International Monetary Fund meeting in Indonesia, according to German media reports. They said the issue involved damage caused by rodents.

Germany's Merkel to miss G20 opening after aircraft woes

Netherlands scored twice in the last five minutes to recover from two goals down and earn a 2-2 draw against relegated Germany in the Nations League on Monday to secure a spot in next year's finals ahead of world champions France.

Virgil van Dijk struck a superb close-range volley in stoppage time to equalise for the visitors after Quincy Promes had cut the deficit in the 85th minute with the Germans having led through early goals from Timo Werner and Leroy Sane.

Switzerland, England and hosts Portugal had already qualified for the four-team finals in June.

The Dutch, on the road to recovery under new manager Ronald Koeman after failing to qualify for the last two major tournaments, topped League A Group 1 despite finishing level on seven points with France due to a better head-to-head record.

"This is the reward for our hard work," central defender Van Dijk told reporters. "It was good to get the equaliser and qualify. After a moderate first half we wanted to come out stronger after the break. We showed character tonight."

The Germans, who suffered a shock first-round exit at the World Cup in June and lost a German record six times this year, finished in last place with just two points after what has become a familiar lack of focus this year.

However, their quick young frontline, nicknamed 'the moped gang', looked promising and lived up to their tag as 22-year-olds Werner and Sane, plus Serge Gnabry, 23, frightened the Dutch defence with their speed, especially in the first half.

They had already shown their potential in a 3-0 friendly win over Russia on Thursday as coach Joachim Loew made changes after Germany's World Cup flop and Nations League relegation.

"I am a bit disappointed by the result but overall I saw more positives than negatives," Loew told reporters. "We played a very good first half and should have scored a third in the second half to finish the game.

"But this kind of thing seems to be the story of our entire year," he said, in reference to his side's disappointing season.

The Germans took the lead after nine minutes when Werner controlled a pass with his head and then fired a precise low shot into the corner of the net from 20 metres.

Sane finished an almost identical move in the 20th, latching onto a deep Toni Kroos pass and drilling in the second goal of the evening with a deflected shot from the edge of the box.

Gnabry almost got a third with a glancing header in the 40th and Werner outsprinted his marker only to fire wide on the hour as the Dutch struggled to contain their opponents and remained toothless up front until Promes got them back in the game.

They then earned a last-gasp equaliser through Van Dijk to book their spot in the new competition's finals in Portugal.

Netherlands scored twice in the last five minutes to recover from two goals down and earn a 2-2 draw against relegated Germany in the Nations League on Monday to secure a spot in next year's finals ahead of world champions France.

Netherlands scored twice in the last five minutes to recover from two goals down and earn a 2-2 draw against relegated Germany in the Nations League on Monday to secure a spot in next year's finals ahead of world champions France. Virgil van Dijk struck a superb close-range volley in stoppage time to equalise for the visitors after Quincy Promes had cut the deficit in the 85th minute with the Germans having led through early goals from Timo Werner and Leroy Sane. Switzerland, England and hosts Portugal had already qualified for the four-team finals in June. The Dutch, on the road to recovery under new manager Ronald Koeman after failing to qualify for the last two major tournaments, topped League A Group 1 despite finishing level on seven points with France due to a better head-to-head record. "This is the reward for our hard work," central defender Van Dijk told reporters. "It was good to get the equaliser and qualify. After a moderate first half we wanted to come out stronger after the break. We showed character tonight." The Germans, who suffered a shock first-round exit at the World Cup in June and lost a German record six times this year, finished in last place with just two points after what has become a familiar lack of focus this year. However, their quick young frontline, nicknamed 'the moped gang', looked promising and lived up to their tag as 22-year-olds Werner and Sane, plus Serge Gnabry, 23, frightened the Dutch defence with their speed, especially in the first half. They had already shown their potential in a 3-0 friendly win over Russia on Thursday as coach Joachim Loew made changes after Germany's World Cup flop and Nations League relegation. "I am a bit disappointed by the result but overall I saw more positives than negatives," Loew told reporters. "We played a very good first half and should have scored a third in the second half to finish the game. "But this kind of thing seems to be the story of our entire year," he said, in reference to his side's disappointing season. The Germans took the lead after nine minutes when Werner controlled a pass with his head and then fired a precise low shot into the corner of the net from 20 metres. Sane finished an almost identical move in the 20th, latching onto a deep Toni Kroos pass and drilling in the second goal of the evening with a deflected shot from the edge of the box. Gnabry almost got a third with a glancing header in the 40th and Werner outsprinted his marker only to fire wide on the hour as the Dutch struggled to contain their opponents and remained toothless up front until Promes got them back in the game. They then earned a last-gasp equaliser through Van Dijk to book their spot in the new competition's finals in Portugal.

Dutch draw 2-2 with Germany to reach Nations League semi-finals

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