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Here’s your quick update on what’s happening around the city on Monday, January 19 - from urgent alerts to stories in the subreddit. Today we went through 207 sources so you don't have to.
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❄️ German Soldiers Exit Greenland Early Following Tariff Threats
A 15-member German military team left Greenland on Sunday, ending a brief deployment that began Friday. The experts arrived in Nuuk at Denmark's invitation to scout for future NATO exercises. While Bild called the withdrawal a "secret" order from Berlin, the Ministry of Defense stated the mission was successfully completed. (Der Spiegel)
The withdrawal coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump's Saturday announcement of a 10% tariff on eight European nations, effective February 1. Trump aims to pressure Denmark into selling the mineral-rich territory. He described the European troop presence as "dangerous," warning that tariffs will rise to 25% by June unless he acquires the island. (dw.com)
European leaders rejected Trump’s "blackmail," with France urging the use of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument. A joint statement from the targeted nations reaffirmed their solidarity with Danish sovereignty. While Germany’s team has returned for analysis, Denmark and France continue efforts to bolster Arctic security, refusing to let trade policy dictate territorial integrity. (T-Online)
✈️ Berlin Gangs Recruiting Foreign Criminals
Organized crime syndicates in Berlin are recruiting young men from abroad to carry out violent threats and extortion. These perpetrators often enter Germany on short-term tourist visas, execute specific criminal contracts, and leave quickly. Police Chief Barbara Slowik Meisel noted that many recruits speak little German and serve bosses located both locally and overseas. (dw.com)
Berlin saw a significant surge in gang-related violence during 2025, including a December incident where a hand grenade was thrown into a pub. The violence is driven by territorial drug "turf wars" and aggressive extortion rackets targeting business owners. Gangs have increasingly resorted to firing shots at buildings to enforce their financial demands. (Der Spiegel)
Berlin’s police leadership is calling for legislative reforms to expand surveillance capabilities against organized crime. Chief Meisel argues that discovering an illegal firearm should provide sufficient grounds for immediate telephone monitoring and observation. Currently, legal restrictions often limit officers to simple weapons charges, preventing deeper investigations into the criminal structures behind the perpetrators. (Berliner Zeitung)
📉 Merz questions high German sick leave rates
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the country's high sick leave rates during a campaign event in Baden-Württemberg, questioning if 14.5 days off annually is necessary. Merz argued that the current economic climate demands higher performance and suggested reviewing policies that allow doctors to issue sick notes via telephone. (Yahoo)
A central target of Merz's critique is the telephone sick leave policy introduced in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic. While conservatives argue this facilitates absenteeism, the AOK health insurance fund disputes this, attributing statistical increases in lost days primarily to the recent implementation of comprehensive electronic reporting systems. (Badische Zeitung)
This debate highlights friction within the coalition, as the agreement between the Union and SPD only pledges to correct misuse of telephone consultations. While business leaders advocate for stricter wage continuation rules to reduce absenteeism, medical associations warn that requiring in-person visits for minor illnesses would overwhelm practices. (Berliner Zeitung)
In partnership with All About Berlin.
📍 Stay Ahead of Berlin’s Big 2026 Changes
Staying on top of German regulations can feel like a full-time job. From the new €63 Deutschland Ticket to the €50,700 Blue Card threshold, 2026 brings significant shifts that impact your wallet and residency status. Navigating these updates is a major problem for many expats, especially when deadlines are tight.
All About Berlin has updated its tools to simplify this complexity. Use the Health Insurance Calculator to see if your plan is still competitive before the January 31st switching deadline, or check how the €13.90 minimum wage affects you. Even small wins, like the 7% VAT reduction in cafés, are tracked to help you manage your 2026 budget.
Beyond legalities, Nicolas is tackling housing with a new median rent map and a guide on lowering your rent legally. Don’t navigate the city in the dark. Get the clarity you need to live in Berlin. Join the All About Berlin newsletter for monthly updates here.
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⚡ Quick Hits
🇬🇧 Berlin's swimming pools launch flexible subscription model | Berlin’s pools replaced the €495 annual Bädercard with online subscriptions starting at €30 per month. Plans run three-month minimum terms and allow a six-month pause.
🇬🇧 Germany confirms higher 2026 EU Blue Card salary thresholds | Minimum pay for Germany’s EU Blue Card is now €50,700 in 2026, or €45,934 for shortage roles. Authorities reject applications using old figures. Companies must update employment contracts and increase relocation funding to meet these new financial thresholds.
🇩🇪 Agricultural demonstration marches through Berlin | Police counted 5,000 marchers and 40 tractors at Brandenburg Gate. Protesters pushed fair farm prices, better animal welfare, and GMO labeling. Speakers warned EU Mercosur talks could intensify price pressure and environmental damage.
🇩🇪 "Manifesto" surfaces: How left-wing extremists operate underground | Investigators say a new 36-page manifesto details sabotage plans for rail and power sites, including up to 50 simultaneous attacks. Germany’s domestic intelligence now tracks the group. Experts say major disruption is unlikely.
🇬🇧 Germany to bring in subsidy of up to €6,000 for electric-car buyers | The plan would revive incentives after their abrupt 2023 cancellation. Private buyers could get €1,500 to €6,000.
📅 Events Today
🎟️ Days of Dance Berlin | January 08 - 24, 2026 | €15, concessions €10 | A contemporary dance festival spotlights rising choreographers. It fuses dance with visual art, music, and performance.
🎟️ Roller Disco | January 19 | 18:00 - Late | 9.00€ | Shake off the Monday blues with an energetic evening on eight wheels. A legendary club clears its floor for funk tunes and hip-hop beats. Arrive early to get your rentals or join the beginners' lesson.
🎟️ The Stranger | January 19 | 20:00 - 22:19 | Follow a detached clerk in 1938 Algiers as his life spirals out of control. A funeral and a casual affair lead to a crime on the beach.
Hosting a workshop or meetup? Click here to feature your event.
💬 What Berliners Are Talking About
🗣️ What happened to Berlin public transport? | Residents vent about worsening Berlin public transport amid cancellations, underfunding, and staff shortages.
🗣️ Schöne ruhigere Kieze in/um Berlin :) | Readers recommend green outskirts (Köpenick, Friedrichshagen, Zehlendorf, Potsdam) despite scarce housing.
🗣️ Solo traveling from US | Solo traveler seeks week in Berlin; locals recommend nature, lakes, museums, nightlife.
🦷 Word of the Day: Zahnfleisch | Literal: Tooth-flesh | Meaning: Gums (in your mouth). | Example: Gesundes Zahnfleisch ist wichtig für die Zähne. (Healthy tooth-flesh is important for your teeth.)
👋 That's a wrap! Thank you for reading.
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