Migrants in Germany earn less across generations – DW – 07/17/2025
Migrants living in Germany earn nearly 20% less than native-born workers, a study has found.
The research authors concluded that the reason wasn't because foreign-born workers were paid unfairly for the same jobs, but because they were often shut out of higher-paying sectors.
The wage gap in Germany stands at 19.6% for first-generation migrants. But three-quarters of that difference comes down to limited access to better-paying industries, roles, and employers — not unequal pay for identical work.
The research was published by the journal Nature, with contributions from Germany's Institute for Employment Research (IAB) in Nuremberg.
It compared Germany to eight other Western nations: Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the US. While all showed income gaps between migrants and locals, countries like Sweden and Canada are closing those gaps faster — especially by the second generation.
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In Germany, the wage gap for second-generation migrants still averages 7.7% — far above the 5.7% international average. Descendants of migrants from Africa and the Middle East remain particularly disadvantaged.
"Integration is primarily about breaking down structural barriers to access well-paid jobs," said study co-author Malte Reichelt.
The report highlights several key factors to improve access: language support, recognition of foreign qualifications, expansion of professional networks, and better information sharing.
Among first-generation migrants, the largest wage disparities were found in Spain (29.3%) and Canada (27.5%), followed by Norway (20.3%), Germany (19.6%), and France (18.9%). The US, Denmark, and Sweden reported significantly smaller gaps.
Canada leads the way in generational progress — with just a 1.9% wage gap for second-generation migrants. In contrast, Norway still shows an 8.7% disparity.
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Long-distance arms: German money for Ukraine's combat drones – DW – 08/03/2025
Germany is investing more in the production of Ukrainian weaponry, particularly long-range drones. What is possible, and what are the limits? Apartment buildings in flames and clouds of smoke over the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv: Almost every day, Russia attacks the country with drones and rockets. In response, Ukraine is defending itself, including by striking targets deeper inside Russia. It's quite possible that in these long-distance attacks, drones produced with German funds are being used. "This is the beginning of a new form of military-industrial cooperation between our countries, one that has great potential," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in late May when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Berlin. The two countries' defense ministries signed an agreement back then: Germany would finance long-range weapons but they are to be produced in Ukraine. Two months later, not many details about the arrangement have become public. "The process is ongoing," Mitko Müller, a senior spokesperson for Germany's Ministry of Defense, told DW in late July. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In June 2024, Denmark became the first NATO member state to get involved in the Ukrainian arms industry. German arms manufacturers are represented in Ukraine, with Rheinmetall, an arms manufacturer headquartered in Düsseldorf, likely the most visible. The industrial giant is expanding its presence there and is engaged in a number of joint ventures. For example, tanks are being manufactured and repaired there and an ammunition factory being built. "We are seeing a huge change in Germany's approach toward Ukraine, a complete opening up," Ihor Fedirko, the chief executive of the Ukrainian Council of Defense Industry (UCDI= told DW. Direct investments by the German government into Ukrainian drone and missile production are still a relative novelty. According to , a German newspaper, Germany intends to fund around 500 An-196 Liutyi drones, one-way attack, unmanned aerial vehicles. Ukrainian media reports suggest that each drone costs around $200,000 (€175,000). The drone was developed as a result of previous cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine. The An-196 Liutyi "was already quite advanced in its development and testing," military expert Gustav Gressel, formerly a senior policy fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations, explained. A very high proportion of these drones are shot down though, Gressel continued, because they fly fairly slowly, at similar speeds to comparable Russian models. Apart from funds, Ukraine is also hoping for German know-how. "We lack deep-tech technologies," Fedirko explains, referring to cutting-edge engineering. "This affects the component base. Equipped with this kind of knowledge, we could modernize more thoroughly and become more efficient," he said. Germany has these technologies. Currently Ukraine is asking all of its allies for technology that would enable long-range weapons, Fedirko continued. "We're talking about a range of between 500 and 1,000 kilometers," he explains. "Some of them [the weapons] — for example, the deep-strike Liutyi, can already get to targets more than 2,000 kilometers away." Many German defense companies getting more active in Ukraine are startups, mostly based in Bavaria. One example is Quantum Systems, a firm specializing in aerial data and making unmanned aerial systems to collect it. Fedirko describes this as a "best-case scenario" of the kind of cooperation Ukraine wants. Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems has been supplying its Vector reconnaissance drones to the Ukrainian army since 2022. A special feature of the Vector is its ability to take off and land vertically. "We are the only Western company producing reconnaissance drones where they are most urgently needed: on-site in Ukraine," says Sven Kruck, co-chief executive at Quantum Systems. His company employs around 200 people in Ukraine, and it's growing; a second production plant is scheduled to open in September. In mid-July, Quantum Systems announced that it would also acquire a 10% stake in Frontline, a Ukrainian drone manufacturer. It will have the option to increase that stake to 25% over the next year. "Frontline specializes in technical solutions for reconnaissance and strike operations. Its systems are currently used by 41 military units in Ukraine," Kruck explained. "We see potential for cooperation, especially in the development of drone defense." However, he added, his company doesn't plan to get into combat drones. Combat drones are being made by another German company, Helsing. The Bavarian firm has already delivered thousands of drones to Ukraine and, last February, announced a new contract for over 6,000 HX-2 strike drones. According to online publication Defense industry Europe, the HX-2 is "an electrically propelled X-wing precision munition with a range of up to 100 kilometers." Its use of advanced computing also makes it more resistant to electronic warfare. Helsing did not respond to DW's enquiries asking for further details. However, as much as the Ukrainians might be pleased about German funding and investments into drones, demand still far outstrips supply. Gressel argues that Ukraine needs bulk supplies of good quality. These can only be produced cost-effectively inside Ukraine itself. The same argument applies to missiles, such as the Taurus cruise missiles, a weapon the Germans are currently unwilling to supply. However, Gressel suggests that cooperation with German companies might enable some parts to be supplied. That could increase the range of Ukraine's own Neptune cruise missiles, with more energy-efficient engines that could fly further on the same amount of fuel and more accurate sensors, which would help land-based targeting. However, a decision on supplies like that has yet to be made. Germany is not only more willing to invest in Ukraine but also to share knowledge. At the start of the war, there were fears that modern German technology could fall into Russian hands and doubt about the reliability of the Ukrainian military personnel, Gressel explains. That's one of the reasons why Ukraine initially received older weaponry. But that's changed. This is partly due to the fact that Ukraine now produces modern weapons itself and can compete with other manufacturers. "German companies are learning things here that you never get to simulate in peacetime," Gressel notes. For example, Ukraine's combat zone is absolutely packed with jammers, jamming devices and air defense systems, the sort of thing you'd never get anywhere else, not on a NATO training ground, in simulations in Germany, nor in the US. The defense industry recognizes this, Gressel says. Quantum Systems' Kruck can confirm that. "Drone development is a game of cat and mouse," he told DW. "Only those who are on site can adapt to all the constant changes. Our insights from Ukraine flow directly into our product development, which we make available to all our customers worldwide." He sees his company's work in Ukraine as a "flagship project" and wants to encourage others to emulate it. The UCDI's Fedirko would like to see this kind of cooperation go even further. "Germany is a country with typical European bureaucracy," he admits. "So it takes time to get things done. But when the Germans say they're doing something, we Ukrainians know it will get done." 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DW
a day ago
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Inside the EU's stalled plan to penalize Israel – DW – 08/02/2025
For the first time ever, EU officials have threatened to restrict Israeli access to research funds over its conduct in Gaza. But the move is still under review, and many say it is too little, too late as famine looms. Something changed in Brussels over the last few days: After more than a year and a half of urging Israel to end bombardments and blockades of Gaza, the EU took a step toward backing its words with action. "The mood has hardened significantly," one EU diplomat who asked not to be named told DW. With the United Nations warning of a "grave risk of famine" in Gaza, the EU's executive — for the first time — has proposed penalizing Israel by barring Israeli startups from accessing some EU research funds. "With its intervention in the Gaza Strip and the ensuing humanitarian catastrophe, including thousands of civilian deaths and rapidly rising numbers of spreading extreme malnutrition specifically of children, Israel is violating human rights and humanitarian law and thus is in breach of an essential principle of ... EU-Israel cooperation," the European Commission wrote in its proposal on Monday. But the plan isn't over the line yet. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The new proposal hit a hurdle immediately after reached the EU's 27 capitals. Some states, including Germany, were asking for more time to asses the plan, EU diplomats told DW. And without Berlin's backing, the plan is unlikely to advance. On Monday, Israel's Foreign Ministry called Brussels' proposal "unjustified" and claimed any such punitive measures would only serve to "strengthen Hamas." Oxfam's Bushra Khalidi told DW there is now "clearly growing pressure within some pockets of the [EU] Commission, backed by some EU countries, to shift course" toward taking action on Israel. "But let's be clear," she added. "The fact that the EU cannot even agree on the smallest step is a disgrace. The bar is on the floor, and yet the EU and some EU countries are still managing to trip over it." Ever since the militant group's attacks on October 7, 2023, the EU has been united in its condemnation of Hamas — classed as a terrorist organization by the bloc — and in its call for the release of Israeli hostages. Beyond that, however, every statement on the EU's ties with Israel has been fiercely debated across a deeply divided bloc. On one end of the spectrum, there are countries like Spain and Ireland. Since February 2024, Madrid and Dublin have been calling for an "urgent review" into Israeli compliance with the agreement that governs its trade and relations with the EU. 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"We managed to fend off all types of obsessive attempts by several countries to impose sanctions on Israel in the EU," Gideon Sa'ar wrote on X later that day. But as the month of July went on and warnings of starvation mounted, Brussels' diplomacy option looked less and less effective. "There has been some progress," the EU's humanitarian aid chief Hadja Lahbib said on Friday in a post on X. "But let's be honest: it's still a drop in the ocean. Without access, we cannot properly assess needs or deliver aid." The Israeli government told DW it has "begun implementing significant measures to facilitate humanitarian aid," including "humanitarian pauses," and designating "secure routes" for food delivery. The statement blames the UN and Hamas for the crisis and claims there is "no starvation" in Gaza — despite aid groups' evidence to the contrary. But most European governments say Israeli measures fall far short. Some states including Sweden, the Netherlands and Spain are now openly calling for the EU to go much further and freeze its trade deal with Israel. That would make it more expensive and difficult for Israeli firms to export goods to the EU — Israel's biggest trading partner. "The situation in Gaza is utterly deplorable, and Israel is not fulfilling its most basic obligations and agreed-upon commitments regarding humanitarian aid," Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X on Thursday. "Economic pressure on Israel must increase," he added. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Restricting trade is a power that lies with the EU's executive in Brussels, meaning national governments can't take matters into their own hands. But individual EU states have taken other decisions to pile pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Several countries including Spain and Belgium have restricted arms exports to Israel. And with EU-level sanctions looking unlikely, Slovenia and the Netherlands have also banned two far-right Israeli ministers from entering their territory earlier this month, accusing them of promoting "ethnic cleansing." In a visit to Israel on Thursday, Germany's foreign minister warned his Israeli counterpart that he risked isolation. Capitals across Europe watched the visit carefully — because any shift in Germany's approach could determine whether planned EU penalties will kick in, or remain an empty threat.
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Elon Musk's Tesla ordered to pay $243 million over crash – DW – 08/02/2025
A Florida jury found a Tesla vehicle and its Autopilot software responsible for a fatal crash in the Florida Keys in 2019. The electric vehicle company, helmed by CEO Elon Musk, plans to appeal the decision. A jury in Miami on Friday said Tesla was liable in a 2019 fatal crash in the Florida Keys, and ordered the electric vehicle firm to pay $243 million (€209 million) to the family of a deceased victim and her injured boyfriend. In 2019, a driver in a Tesla Model S went through an intersection and drove into a couple who were standing next to their parked Chevrolet Tahoe. Naibel Benavides Leon, who was 22 years old, was killed in the crash, with her boyfriend Dillion Angulo heavily injured in the collision. The jury said Tesla is partly responsible for the death because its Autopilot technology failed. "Tesla designed Autopilot only for controlled-access highways yet deliberately chose not to restrict drivers from using it elsewhere, alongside Elon Musk telling the world Autopilot drove better than humans," Brett Schreiber, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said after the verdict. Musk, the world's richest person, is Tesla's CEO and largest shareholder. Schreiber said the order "represents justice for Naibel's tragic death and Dillon's lifelong injuries." Tesla will have to pay $200 million in punitive damages, along with 33% ($43 million) of the $129 million in compensatory damages. The driver of the Tesla was looking for his phone after it had fallen to the floor of the vehicle, when the fatal crash occurred. The court argued that the Autopilot system should have been disabled once the driver was distracted. The driver allegedly did not receive any alerts as he ran a stop sign and stop light before hitting the victims' SUV. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Tesla plans to appeal the verdict, and has said the driver is solely responsible for the crash. "Today's verdict is wrong," the electric vehicle company said, while saying it "only works to set back automotive safety and jeopardize Tesla's and the entire industry's efforts to develop and implement lifesaving technology." Tesla has said that drivers who are using the Autopilot still need to be fully attentive while driving and to keep their hands on the steering wheel. "Autopilot is a driver assistance system that is intended to be used only with a fully attentive driver," Tesla said on its website. "It does not turn Tesla into a fully autonomous vehicle." Tesla stock plunged 1.83% on the NASDAQ after the Miami verdict. It's the first time Tesla was hit with damages after a trial over its vehicles' Autopilot functions, with earlier suits having been dismissed or resolved outside the courtroom.
