Background: A suspected Russian influence operation, linked to the 'Matryoshka' campaign, has been targeting German elections, previously boosting the AfD and smearing mainstream parties. Today's development: Deutsche Welle's fact-checking desk uncovered over 180 fake posts on X, Bluesky, and TikTok linked to the operation, targeting candidates in four German state elections scheduled for September. The fakes include fabricated accusations of corruption, drug use, murder, and sex scandals, as well as narratives stoking east-west tensions, such as claims of a new Berlin Wall or a 2030 division. The operation is technically linked to the GRU-controlled Storm-1516, though direct Russian state involvement is not conclusively proven. Experts assess the campaign's effectiveness as limited, with low organic engagement despite high view counts.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, despite initial promises to strengthen Europe and reduce dependence on the US, has prioritized German national interests, as revealed by his private remark to Donald Trump suggesting Germany as a partner if Europe fails. This approach has irritated EU counterparts and raised concerns about the lack of a common European vision, with a French report noting that Germans do not take the French seriously.

More than 1,000 German legal professionals, including lawyers, judges, and prosecutors, have signed an open letter initiated by the Republican Lawyers' Association (RAV) urging the federal government and Bundestag to initiate proceedings to ban the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The call is based on a legal opinion by the Society for Freedom Rights (GFF) analyzing over three million data points, concluding that the AfD violates constitutional principles of human dignity and democracy. The signatories warn of serious damage to democracy if no action is taken. A ban would require a motion from the Bundestag, Bundesrat, or federal government and a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, a process that could take years. The initiative reflects growing pressure on mainstream parties to act against the AfD, which leads polls in eastern states like Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the September 2026 state election.

Background: Record low Danube water levels forced the shutdown of Hungary's Paks nuclear plant and one reactor at Romania's Cernavoda plant, disrupting energy supply and shipping. Today: The drought has triggered an unprecedented energy crisis across Central and Southeastern Europe. Hungary's Paks plant operates at only 12% capacity, forcing industrial production cuts at Audi and MOL. Romania's Nuclearelectrica is importing electricity from Ukraine after shutting down a Cernavoda reactor, and the military has blasted rocks to divert water. Serbia's hydroelectric output is severely reduced, while Bulgaria remains resilient due to large battery storage. The crisis highlights vulnerabilities in energy infrastructure and has prompted government reviews and emergency measures. Recent developments: Romania's Nuclearelectrica has begun importing electricity from Ukraine to cover the shortfall after Unit No. 1 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant was shut down due to exceptionally low Danube water levels, and the company warns that the stability of Romania's power system is at risk. In Hungary, the Paks nuclear plant is operating at around 12% capacity, and the government has urged large energy consumers to conserve electricity, leading to production cuts at Audi Gyor, MOL, and other companies. The Hungarian government under Peter Magyar has announced a comprehensive review of the country's energy development strategy. In Serbia, the Iron Gate hydroelectric plants are generating only a fraction of their average output, and coal-fired plants Kostolac A and B have also cut production. Bulgaria, with large battery storage capacity, remains largely unaffected. The drought has also disrupted freight transport on the Danube and Rhine, with Germany's transport minister convening a crisis meeting.

The German federal government is laying the groundwork for a possible reintroduction of civilian service (Zivildienst) in case compulsory military service is reinstated. The Family Ministry, led by Karin Prien (CDU), surveyed 23 major associations and organizations, with 22 indicating readiness to host conscientious objectors. The ministry plans to present its proposals to modernize civilian service law after the summer recess. The move has sparked debate within the coalition, with the SPD favoring voluntary services, while social associations warn of potential negative impacts on voluntary programs and call for better funding and training. Thorsten Frei, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader, called the preparation 'very clever and correct' but noted no new developments on conscription. The coalition agreed military service remains voluntary for now, with the Bundeswehr aiming to grow from 185,000 to 260,000 troops by 2030. The new military service questionnaire, mandatory for all 18-year-old men, has yielded only about 530 voluntary sign-ups in 2026. Welfare organizations, including Caritas, warn civilian service won't solve staff shortages and should not be 'government-mandated cheap labor.' The Left Party's Ines Schwerdtner criticized the idea, saying the state shouldn't dictate how young people spend a year.

Background: Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office and Interior Minister had earlier warned of high cyberattack risk and planned active defense legislation. On August 3, 2026, Germany's domestic intelligence agency (BfV) and Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) issued a new warning specifically about the growing threat from AI-powered cyberattacks. They noted that AI models are increasingly capable of identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities, and that while high costs currently limit criminal access, this barrier is expected to decline as hardware becomes more affordable. Both agencies also emphasized AI's defensive benefits, calling it an indispensable component of modern defense strategies.

German defense contractor Rheinmetall has broken ground on an expansion of its Nitrochemie propellant plant in Aschau am Inn, Bavaria. CEO Armin Papperger stressed the facility's essential role in producing ammunition for Germany and NATO, stating that without it, the alliance would not be combat-ready. The site, which employs 800 of Rheinmetall's 2,200 Bavarian workers across 90 hectares, is the company's largest in the region. The expansion underscores Germany's accelerating rearmament and Rheinmetall's growing industrial influence, a development that is starting to alarm neighboring countries.

Background: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had announced autumn talks with the Union and SPD on the succession of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, with CSU politician Ilse Aigner as a possible candidate. Today, senior politicians from the SPD and CDU are increasingly calling for a female president. SPD parliamentary group leader Dirk Wiese and deputy SPD leader Alexander Schweitzer explicitly demand a woman. CDU parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei initially said the selection should not be limited to women, but later endorsed CSU politician Ilse Aigner as suitable. Other names mentioned include Hesse's minister-president Boris Rhein. The Union and SPD plan to agree on a joint candidate after September state elections, with the election scheduled for January 30, 2027.