Volkswagen Restructuring: Volkswagen is reportedly preparing a major overhaul that could cut up to 100,000 jobs and close four German plants, including sites in Hanover, Zwickau, Emden and Audi’s Neckarsulm, as CEO Oliver Blume seeks to slash costs and investment amid pressure from Chinese EV rivals. Regulatory Shock for Retail: BaFin has opened an accounting review into Zalando after concerns over disclosure tied to the €1.1bn About You acquisition, sending shares sharply lower. Pension Reform Debate: Germany’s proposed pension changes aim to ease pressure on younger workers, including a Swedish-style funded element and higher retirement age linked to life expectancy, but analysts warn the path to stability is steep. EU-China Auto Trade: The European Commission is preparing anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese plug-in hybrid vehicles, even as Chinese exports to Europe surge and market share climbs. US-Germany Drug Pricing Tension: Trump’s administration has launched a probe into Germany’s drug pricing, escalating a fresh trade dispute over “underpayment” for US medicines. BASF Carve-out Leadership: BASF Coatings names a new executive committee to run the standalone transition from July 1, 2026. Security & Space: A senior German military figure warns Russia may be developing a space-based weapon that could disrupt satellite networks. Culture & Creative Economy: A German Directors Guild survey finds many directors can’t make a living from directing, with over a third considering leaving the profession.