In brief | 24 July ‘26

Reuters: Germany's Merz picks first woman chief of staff in shake-up before state elections

German chancellor Friedrich Merz also said more changes were to come. Two sources familiar with the matter said he was set to replace his transport minister, but that will take longer as Merz's pick pulled out after initially agreeing to take the role.

Reuters: Rhine river water falls again, freight vessels sailing part loaded

The river Rhine in Germany has fallen again, with shallow water hindering cargo shipping and ​increasing costs for freight transport, commodity traders said.

Montel: First 4.5 GW German power tender set to be oversubscribed – poll

The first 4.5 GW tendering round for Germany’s plan to expand power generation capacity due on 8 September is likely to be oversubscribed, based on a Montel poll of power companies this week.

Reuters: Volkswagen abandons hopes for 2026 sales growth as restructuring looms

Volkswagen no longer expects revenue to grow this year, after ​the German carmaker dropped its previous forecast, setting the stage for a ‌radical overhaul in response to costly tariffs and intensifying competition from China.

DW: Germany seeks energy and trading partners in Africa

German foreign minister Johann Wadephul has promoted cooperation on energy, infrastructure and the economy.

France24: France orders total evacuation of Cap Ferret peninsula as wildfires sweep western Europe

Wildfires also triggered a state of emergency in Spain's Madrid region and prompted Paris to seek emergency assistance from the European Union.

Table.Briefings: Sweden: New strategy for critical raw materials with a focus on security policy

Stockholm wants to ensure greater security of supply for critical raw materials. The goal is to reduce dependence on China.

Bloomberg: Heat wave in June cost the UK economy $1.5 billion

Scorching temperatures exposed shortcomings in Britain’s homes, workplaces and public transport.