UN Security Council Shock: Germany lost its bid for a non-permanent UN seat for the first time in decades, falling to Portugal and Austria; Berlin blamed Russia’s lobbying, while Iran called it a “stark rebuke” tied to Germany’s Gaza and Iran stance. Ukraine Refugee Rules: EU talks are moving toward excluding fighting-age men from temporary protection, with Poland signaling support and the Commission expected to publish a proposal soon. US-Germany Missile Reversal: The Pentagon is expected to cancel a Tomahawk deployment to Germany, citing escalation fears and a depleted US stockpile—leaving Berlin arguing it needs deep-strike capability. Energy Pressure Point: Vladimir Putin renewed a Nord Stream 2 gas offer, saying Russia could supply Germany “tomorrow” if sanctions are lifted and Berlin buys gas. German Politics at Home: New polling shows Germans split on the CDU’s “firewall” against cooperating with AfD, with support for the exclusion weakening. Citizenship Update: Over 50,000 people have gained German citizenship since 2021 after Nazi-era citizenship was stripped or denied. Tech & Trade: BITS Pilani and TU Ilmenau signed an MoU to expand exchanges and research; Germany also inked a Ghana trade and skills pact. Aviation Incident: Lufthansa’s 787 nose landing gear buckled at Frankfurt while at the jetway; several crew and ground staff were injured. Auto Industry Warning: An EY analysis says German carmakers saw revenue fall and face more pressure in 2026 amid tariffs, market shifts, and costly transitions.