Politics of Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on June 28 called on EU member states to agree this week to allocate an additional 3 billion euros in assistance for Syrian refugees in Turkey.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel walks past Alexander Gauland (L), parliamentary group co-leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), at the beginning of a session at the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) on June 28, 2018 in Berlin. AFP PHOTO / John MACDOUGALL

European and Greek officials might have welcomed last week's Eurogroup debt deal for Greece with expressions of satisfaction and relief but it was actually Berlin that scored the largest victory, Kathimerini understands. 

The leaders of 16 countries survived the "frank talk" of an emergency meeting on immigration and emerged with a veneer of common purpose Sunday as the European Union enters a potentially vital week for its unity.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday a draft EU accord on migration had been withdrawn after he clashed with Chancellor Angela Merkel over an issue that is splitting Europe.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel grimaces at a press conference with France's President Emmanuel Macron after a meeting in the guest house of the German government in Meseberg north of Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, June 19, 2018. AP Photo/Jens Meyer

EUOBSERVER - Local authorities in Bavaria, Germany, could start turning back migrants on Monday (18 June) in a rebellion that threatens chancellor Angela Merkel's authority.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu address a press conference after a meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin on June 4, 2018. Photo: Anadolu Agency

"I do not think 2025 is a realistic date for the EU enlargement." This was stated by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel after the end of the EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia.

"More important is the progress, what has been achieved by the candidates for this membership," Merkel said.

Turkish Energy Minister Berat Albayrak and his German counterpart Peter Altmaier have vowed to improve relations between their countries after months-long tensions.