Germany news: Merz says North Korea threatening Europe's freedom

· DW

Friedrich Merz, who is visiting Seoul, said North Korea is putting Europe's security at risk by sending soldiers to fight for Russia in Ukraine. DW has more.

  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in South Korea at the end of his Asia tour
  • Merz and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung deepened their countries' strategic partnership, including security and military ties
  • Germany's president Frank-Walter Steinmeier continues his trip to China, where he called for free global trade to be strengthened
  • Volkswagen (VW) posts 3rd quarter losses of €5.8 billion ($6.46 bln)
  • VW has been struggling to keep pace with competition from China and to transition to electric vehicles
  • Berlin's mayoral candidate Elif Eralp is under fire over her interview with Der Spiegel

This blog is now closed. Here are the main headlines from and about Germany on Thursday, October 29, 2026.