Latest news with #Tagesspiegel
Local Germany
5 days ago
- Business
- Local Germany
Who can actually use Berlin's online 'Anmeldung' portal?
Since the introduction of digital registration services last autumn, less than ten percent of people who needed to register or change their address in Berlin have done so online, Tagesspegiel reported on Monday. Registration of your address with your local citizens' office – commonly referred to as Anmeldung – is a requirement in Germany, and represents one of the first meaningful bureaucratic hurdles newcomers to the country must navigate. It's also an annoying but mandatory task you have to complete if you move to a new residence in the country. As The Local reported, Berlin launched a digital process for registering and deregistering residences in the capital city last October, which was intended to make the process easier and significantly reduce the strain on the city's administrative offices. But very few people are applying for Anmeldung online, suggesting that once again Berlin's efforts toward digitalisation may have missed the mark. One significant problem with the new digital system is that it doesn't actually work for everyone – including a large portion of the city's foreign residents. READ ALSO: 'Digital office' - How Germany wants to move work contracts online Of 278,127 registrations completed citywide from January to the end of May this year, only 25,736 were completed online, according to the Tagesspiegel report . That translates to less than one in ten people. It also means that a further 252,391 registrations were made in Berlin's citizens' offices. Appointments at citizens' offices in Berlin are often booked up well in advance, meaning that people who need to register their address can be left waiting for weeks, or find themselves travelling across the city for a last minute appointment at an office in another district. Who can register digitally? 'Since the end of September, anyone is able to register their residence in Berlin digitally,' Tagesspiegel wrote in the intro to its report. But that's not entirely true. Non-EU foreign residents living in Berlin weren't included in the city's digitalisation efforts in this case. Advertisement To be able to register your address online you need to be an EU citizen with an EU passport, as well as having an eID and a BundID account. (Non-German EU and EEA citizens may need to first apply for an eID card). READ ALSO: What are the digital IDs you can get in Germany? But all foreign residents who've come from non-European countries must still navigate the registration process in-person. Digitalisation efforts don't include everyone Martina Klement (CSU), State Secretary for Administrative Modernization and Digitalization, previously told Tagesspiegel that there are 'already more than 350 digital services' but that they are 'too rarely used by Berliners'. What proportion of the population those services are truly available to is unclear. There were 993,295 foreign residents registered in Berlin as of the end of 2024, according to Germany's statistical office, which corresponds to a bit more than a quarter of the population. In addition to the non-German or non-EU citizens that are excluded from certain services, others are prevented from doing so if they don't have a functioning eID. Meanwhile Berlin's citizens' offices are burdened by a high number of daily appointments exacerbated by worker shortages. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) had previously announced a city-wide goal of making it possible for citizens' offices to offer appointments within 14 days. Currently, the average waiting time is around 30 days. So how do I register my residence? If you're an EU citizen with a German eID, you can register online here . If you haven't used your eID before, you'll need to activate it and then use it to set up a BundID account first . It's a bit of a process, but you should be able to manage with both a computer and smartphone (or a computer and USB card reader) and the AusweisApp . If you are not from a EU or EEA country, then you'll need to make an appointment with the citizens' office. Advertisement An easy way to find an appointment for Anmeldung specifically is through a tool displayed on the All About Berlin website . (Select 'How to register your address in person' and then click on the 'Anmeldung appointment finder'.) Make sure you print out and bring the necessary documents with you to your appointment. You'll need: Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Permission to register signed by your landlord) The application form Your passport or ID and residence permit Vehicle registration papers (if you have a vehicle) If it's your first time registering you may also need to bring: Your marriage certificate If registering a child's address you may need a letter of consent from the guardian (if you are separated) and the child's birth certificate READ ALSO: Is renting a flat 'without Anmeldung' illegal in Germany? Useful vocabulary: Citizens' office - das Bürgeramt Personal ID - der Personalausweis Residence - der Wohnsitz Residence registration form (Official registration confirmation for relocation) - Amtliche Meldebestätigung für die Umzugsmeldung
Euractiv
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Euractiv
President of German parliament says ‘Nein, danke!' to Pride flag
BERLIN – The German parliament's administration has ordered lawmakers to remove Pride flags from public display, amid a pushback against LGBTQ+ activism within the institution. Since her election in May, the Bundestag's Christian Democratic President Julia Klöckner has rolled back several practices introduced under her Social Democratic predecessor, such as the flying of the rainbow flag over the parliament during Berlin's annual Pride parade. In the latest move, the Bundestag's administration has ordered an MP to remove a Pride flag and objects – including a rainbow-coloured towel – from display in their office window, according to an email seen by Euractiv. The email's author argued that the parliament's house rules prohibit putting up posters and signs on generally accessible and publicly visible parts of its buildings 'without exception." The administration also targeted other MPs in the last few days, including one who had hung up a Pride flag, according to two sources briefed on the matter. German newspaper Tagesspiegel , which also reported on the matter, named two of the affected MPs as Lina Seitzl, a Social Democrat, and Stella Merendino, from the Left party. Some flags had been on display for extended periods, even several years in one case, according to one of the sources. A Bundestag spokesperson said the violations were brought to the administration's attention by other MPs. "It's not specifically about the rainbow flag," he said, noting that a German or EU flag would also have to be removed. He added that removal orders were recurring "again and again" and were a "routine operation." A larger quarrel is looming, with the Social Democrats' parliamentary group expected to raise the matter with the executive committee of the Bundestag this week, asking for a more sensitive approach to enforcing the rule, according to a third parliamentary source. The removal is typically executed by the parliament's police, the Bundestag spokesperson said. In the Pride flag case, officers had scoured the parliament's corridors, taking pictures of door signs, to identify the culpable MPs, according to the first two sources. One of them noted that other MPs were displaying posters and signs unrelated to Pride in their windows without being reprimanded. Pride clash The display of the Pride flag remains subject to controversy in the Bundestag complex. Klöckner's Social Democratic predecessor, Bärbel Bas, had authorised the rainbow flag to be flown for the first time over the Parliament in 2022 to mark Berlin's Pride parade. But Klöckner announced in May that the German parliament would henceforth only fly the flag on the International Day against Homophobia. She also prohibited the parliament's queer staff network from participating in the event in an official capacity. The restrictions were necessary to maintain the parliament's political neutrality, Klöckner argued, which required it to abstain from supporting events with a particular political agenda, including Pride. If Pride flags were to fly, the observant Catholic argued, then so should the Vatican flag as 'Christians are the most persecuted group worldwide.' Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a fellow Christian Democrat, defended her decision, saying the Bundestag was 'not a circus tent', where flags could be hoisted at whim. The decisions and comments have been met with an intense backlash, including from Merz's coalition partner, the SPD. Social Democrat MPs branded the Bundestag's withdrawal from Pride "disconcerting". The government's commissioner on queer affairs, Sophie Koch (SPD), said it would be 'appropriate' for the chancellor to understand that raising the rainbow flag at the Bundestag is a powerful sign in times when queer people are under attack. Some 220,000 people have signed a petition calling on Klöckner to fly the rainbow flag at the Bundestag during Berlin Pride on 26 July. (mm, jp)
Daily Record
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Boxer Abu Yusupov dies after being stabbed in sickening train station attack
Abu Yusupov, an unbeaten boxer, has died aged 39 after being stabbed in the neck in a sickening attack at a train station. Boxer Abu Yusupov has tragically lost his life at the age of 39 following a knife attack at a Berlin train station incident. Yusupov was fatally wounded in the neck during an altercation at Gesundbrunnen train station on Tuesday, according to reports from German publication Tagesspiegel via The Sun. The boxer succumbed to his stab injuries., despite efforts from police to resuscitate him and subsequent emergency transport to hospital, reports the Mirror. In their heartfelt statement, the World Boxing Council said: "WBC mourns the passing of Abu Yusupov Undefeated Chechen boxer Abu Yusupov (9-0-1), 39, was fatally stabbed in Berlin, Germany." Detailing his career achievements, they continued that in his recent January match, he gained victory over Giorgi Kandelaki through decision and is survived by a loving family comprising his spouse and three children, reports the Daily Star. Remembering his spirit, WBC added: "His story of perseverance and love for boxing will forever be etched in our sport. The entire WBC family and its President, Mauricio Sulaiman, send our deepest condolences to Abu's family and friends during this difficult time." Yusupov began his professional boxing journey with a stunning 39-second knockout against Benjamin Kunz and maintained an unblemished record in the ring with nine wins – seven by knockout. One of his triumphs includes outboxing Giorgi Kandelaki this January in a six-round contest decided by the judges. One tribute said: "Rest in peace to a true fighter, both in the ring and in life. Your strength, heart, and friendship will never be forgotten. You may be gone, but your spirit will keep swinging with us forever," one fan posted. Berlin Police have launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding his death. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Undefeated boxer, 39, dies after being stabbed in sickening train station attack
Abu Yusupov, an unbeaten boxer who had fought nine times in the ring and won on every occasion, has died aged 39 after being stabbed in the neck in a sickening attack at a train station Abu Yusupov has tragically lost his life aged 39 following a knife attack at a Berlin train station incident. According to reports from German publication Tagesspiegel via The Sun, Yusupov was fatally wounded in the neck during an altercation at Gesundbrunnen train station on Tuesday. Despite efforts from police to resuscitate him and subsequent emergency transport to hospital, the boxer succumbed to his stab injuries. In their heartfelt statement, the World Boxing Council said: "WBC mourns the passing of Abu Yusupov Undefeated Chechen boxer Abu Yusupov (9-0-1), 39, was fatally stabbed in Berlin, Germany." Detailing his career achievements, they continued that in his recent January match, he gained victory over Giorgi Kandelaki through decision and is survived by a loving family comprising his spouse and three children, reports the Daily Star. Remembering his spirit, WBC added: "His story of perseverance and love for boxing will forever be etched in our sport. The entire WBC family and its President, Mauricio Sulaiman, send our deepest condolences to Abu's family and friends during this difficult time." Yusupov began his professional boxing journey with a stunning 39-second knockout against Benjamin Kunz and maintained an unblemished record in the ring with nine wins – seven by knockout. One of his triumphs includes outboxing Giorgi Kandelaki this January in a six-round contest decided by the judges. One tribute said: "Rest in peace to a true fighter, both in the ring and in life. "Your strength, heart, and friendship will never be forgotten. You may be gone, but your spirit will keep swinging with us forever," one fan posted. Berlin Police have launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Al-Ahram Weekly
07-06-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Germany has three years to overhaul military: Official - War in Ukraine
Germany's armed forces have three years to acquire the equipment to tackle a possible Russian attack on NATO territory, the head of military procurement said Saturday. Defence spending has risen up the political agenda since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and more recently with the United States pushing NATO members to increase their commitments. "Everything necessary to be fully prepared to defend the country must be acquired by 2028," Annette Lehnigk-Emden, head of the Federal Office for Military Procurement, told Tagesspiegel newspaper. Chief of defence General Carsten Breuer recently warned that Russia could be in a position to "launch a large-scale attack against NATO territory" as early as 2029. He said there was a Russian build-up of ammunition and tanks for a possible attack on NATO's Baltic members. Lehnigk-Emden stressed that Chancellor Friedrich Merz's new government was enabling the upgrade by allocating hundreds of billions of euros for defence. She said the priority would be for heavy equipment such as Skyranger anti-aircraft tanks. Merz has made rearmament a priority of his coalition government to make it "the most powerful conventional army in Europe". Rearmament had already begun under the previous government of Olaf Scholz after Russia launched its war in Ukraine. And US President Donald Trump has raised the temperature further this year by pushing NATO members to increase their defence spending to five percent of GDP from the current level of two percent. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday that 50,000 to 60,000 new soldiers would be needed in the coming years to meet the increased defence needs of NATO. Last year, the army had more than 180,000 soldiers and set a goal of exceeding 203,000 by 2031. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
