#migrate germany

[immigrategermany]

Will Germany become the next big immigration destination?

At present, 23 % population of Germany is made up of immigrants and children of immigrants. There is a labor shortage, and as per the reports of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK),  Germany is looking forward to filling 60,000 Jobs a year. There was a record-breaking vacancy number of over 2 million jobs in 2022. Thus, recently the Germany Government has also unveiled a reform in the immigration system by which immigration and skill training will be promoted in the largest economy of Europe.

The list of reforms recently introduced by the German government are –

The applicant should have a Professional or University degree that is recognized in Germany and an employment contract.

There is a minimum of two years of experience needed in a related profile of a degree or vocational training

The applicant should have an "opportunity card" in case one doesn't have the job offer but has the potential to work. The opportunity card follows the point-based system where language skills, education, professional work experience, age, and connection to Germany are taken into consideration.

Germany is looking forward to speeding up the issuance of Visas in the coming years, and attractive measures are being taken to invite skilled foreign workers. With new laws, the key hurdles are being addressed, and the complex process of evaluating educational credentials is also removed. Just like any other industrialized country, Germany is also facing labor shortages, especially in the high-growth sectors, and it has taken a toll on the economy, so much so that it might also lead to a recession in the country. Thus, meeting the labor market demand is imperative for Germany at the moment and for this increasing immigrations is the best solution.

In this regard, Germany is especially working to ease the way for IT professionals to obtain visas. The idea is to modernize the beaurocratic Process in Germany to obtain work visas and make the process easy for the skilled worker to relocate to Germany. The first step in this regard is to put a new system in place where the people who have not signed a specific job contract can also move to Germany. They should, however, be lauded for their skills and talent, thereby having the capability to look for a job when they arrive in Germany.

What are the changes that will make Germany an attractive destination in the future?

The notable changes that will make Germany a lucrative place for skilled workers in the future are –

Opportunity Card -  It will be a point-based system that will take into account the education, language, age, work experience, ad connection to Germany for the selection of applicants. If this card is obtained before coming to Germany, then the applicant will be allowed to stay in the country and look for a job. The  unskilled worker can also enter Germany if there is an acute shortage identified by the Federal Employment Agency (BA)

EU Blue card made more accessible -  EU Blue card will be made more accessible to a large number of specialists with a university degree. This will make the country more attractive for foreigners as they come for vocational courses or for further education in Germany.

No need for formal recognition of university degrees - Third-world country applicants can move to Germany and work in their area of expertise without formal education or any professional qualification. The process will help them equate their educational qualification with the closest German degree. In case your degree doesn't match up to the German standards, then the applicant will have to undertake an additional study.

A professional qualification can be recognized after arriving -  The applicant will have the right to initiate the process after they have entered the county and not before. This will help the employers hire quickly, and it will also be easier for the worker's qualifications to be recognized if they have already started working in qualified employment.

Allow short-term employment-  The applicants can be hired for short-term work, and they will be able to meet their temporary needs. For this, the special qualification requirements will not be considered. The number of hires in this program is capped.

If you are looking for Germany job seeker visas, you can visit the links and explore more opportunities in Germany.

[head-post]

Germany, UK join forces to tackle human trafficking across Channel

Britain and Germany pledged on Tuesday to share intelligence and expertise in the fight against gangs ferrying migrants across the English Channel in small boats, in the latest attempt by European countries to stop the dangerous journeys, ABC News reports.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and her German counterpart, Home Secretary Nancy Faeser, signed a “joint action plan” at a meeting in London. The UK said that under the agreement, Germany would make it a specific offence for Germany to facilitate the smuggling of migrants into the UK. Many of the rubber boats used to ferry migrants across the Channel are stored in Germany.

“The criminal gangs who organise dangerous small boats across the channel that undermine our border security, that put lives at risk, are also the same gangs that are operating in Germany, that are operating right across Europe and beyond,” Cooper said. “Law enforcement needs to operate across borders as well.”

Feser said co-operation would include “maintaining a high level of investigative pressure, sharing information as much as possible between our security agencies and continuously investigating financial flows to identify criminals operating behind the scenes.”

Both countries also said they would work to remove migrant smuggling material from social media platforms, where many smuggling gangs advertise their services.

The ministers signed the agreement ahead of a meeting in London of the “Calais Group” which includes Britain, Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands, as well as the European Union’s police and border services, Europol and Frontex.

The United Kingdom’s centre-left government is trying to rebuild law enforcement and intelligence links with the UK’s neighbours after the country leaves the EU in 2020. Brexit has complicated international co-operation by taking the UK out of Europol and the intelligence sharing mechanism.

Despite French and UK efforts to tackle migration, the trans-Channel route remains a major smuggling corridor for people fleeing conflict or poverty. Many migrants choose the UK because of language, family ties or perceived easier access to asylum and work.

This year, more than 31,000 migrants have crossed one of the world’s busiest sea routes, more than in the whole of 2023, although less than in 2022. UK officials say more than 70 people have died this year in attempts to cross the canal, making 2024 the deadliest year since the number of crossings began rising in 2018.

Read more HERE

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

When Germans emigrated to Brazil 200 years ago

Two centuries ago there was widespread poverty in Germany. An irresistable offer by the Brazilian emperor back then attracted thousands of German emigrants.

The aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, failed harvests and oppressive tax burdens made life difficult for people in Germany at the beginning of the 19th century.

Then came a tempting offer from the other side of the world — 77 hectares of land for every family willing to settle in Brazil. Plus livestock, seeds and agricultural equipment, as well as financial assistance for the first two years.

It is more than many German farmers, craftsmen and day laborers ever dared to hope for at home. Soon the first of them responded to the call to say goodbye to their old home.

Continue reading.

[skaiawards]

Reddit admins, led by CEO "u/spez", tried to run its previously-popular "place" experiment again to distract users from unpopular opinions. Reddit users made their opinion on the matter clear.

If you have a reddit account and want to contribute, help us keep the pride flags in the "P" clean — and maintain a three-black-pixel border between the flags and the red lines below.

[bopinion]

2024 / 37 - Belated vacation edition

Aperçu of the week

“Never start to stop and never stop to start!”

(Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman scholar, writer, philosopher and politician)

Bad News of the Week

Poverty and a lack of prospects as well as climate change and a lack of livelihoods are the most common reasons for migration. This is an understandable consideration: those who see no future for themselves (any more) can either resign themselves or set off in search of one somewhere else. Leaving your home country is never easy, so such a move can also be seen as the willpower of someone who won't give up.

Now there are many developed countries that even have a need for immigration. Germany, for example, has a shrinking population due to low birth rates. At the same time, many baby boomers will soon be retiring - so there is less working population and more to care for. A delta that could be closed with immigration. So it's actually a win-win situation that benefits everyone.

Germany does not exactly have the image of a classic immigration country. So anyone who is not a persecuted asylum seeker, but perhaps even a sought-after skilled worker, will think about where to build their future. Potential migrants cite the difficult language, complex bureaucracy and lack of a welcoming culture as the main reasons for not choosing Germany. We cannot change the language, but a reduction in formalities and more openness to the world would also do us good as a society.

I therefore react with incomprehension to the current behavior of the conservative CDU/CSU. They are adopting the pejorative rhetoric of the right and are raging without sense or reason against a supposed emergency situation at the borders caused by an increasing flow of irregular migration - which does not exist to this extent in Germany any more than it does in the USA. An ultimatum from this largest opposition party to the ruling coalition, which it was even prepared to take up constructively, was finally declared a failure just in time for the general debate in the German parliament Bundestag. In this debate, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz insists on the rejection of refugees at the border. Despite all legal concerns and criticism from neighboring countries.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz argues against this: “There is no country in the world with a shrinking working population that has economic growth. That is the truth with which we are confronted”. And “We are a country that offers protection to those who are politically persecuted and that is in our constitution and we are not putting that up for debate”. However, he also concedes that openness to the world does not mean that anyone who wants to can come: “We must be able to choose who comes to Germany.”

So the door to talks is still open. Even if only with vague hints instead of a concrete plan on how immigration could be managed for the benefit of all. However, as long as the conservatives bask in good poll ratings and believe it cannot leave populism to the extreme parties, they will refuse to cooperate out of self-interest until at least the next general election. And we will once again fail to come up with a constructive, forward-looking concept for migration. Which we actually urgently need.

Good News of the Week

Taylor Swift and I agree. Elon Musk and I do not. So it should be clear what I'm talking about: the upcoming presidential elections in the USA. Or rather, the televised debate between the two candidates last week. Because it clearly went to the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, as even the otherwise barely objective right-wing populist broadcaster Fox News admits. The corresponding polls can be averaged out at two thirds to one third.

On the one hand, Donald Trump delivered his usual ghost train of doom-mongering, brazen lies, self-praise and bad humor. If he were to lose, there would be a third world war. The one between Russia and Ukraine, on the other hand, would never have happened in the first place. Thanks to him, NATO would be strong again, the pandemic would have been overcome superbly, the economy would be running smoothly and the whole world would take the USA seriously. The Democrats, on the other hand, if not their current vice president personally, would bring millions of migrants from Latin American mental institutions into the country to change gun laws, abort fracking even after birth, eat the cats off African-Americans and tax jobs. Or something like that - at times it was difficult to follow what he was saying.

On the other hand, Kamala Harris gave a solid performance. She came across as factual, credible, confident and self-assured. Yes, at some points one would have wished for more factual content than pathos, but that was not the point. In the run-up to the event, a majority of Americans had explicitly wished to learn more about the candidate. Who ultimately remained rather pale as Vice President. And who had to manage the tightrope act of simultaneously selling her previous performance well and embodying a new beginning. She has managed this reasonably well. And my hopes have risen that we could once again scrape past the abyss on November 5 instead of falling into it. I'm curious to see how the vice-presidential candidates' debate goes the week after next - I'm assuming that it could be entertaining instead of just weird.

Personal happy moment of the week

I had another great time with great people in Québec this week. Thank you!

I couldn't care less...

...that Google has been fined billions in the European Union. We simply have legislation that attempts to control dominant market positions and enable healthy competition in the interests of consumers. I think that's fine in principle.

It's fine with me...

...that BioNTech is now also launching an mRNA vaccine against lung cancer. After all, it was the German company's aim from the outset to use messenger ribonucleic acid to combat this cruel disease, which is the second most common cause of death in humans. This could be nothing less than a medical breakthrough.

As I write this...

...Germany is approaching the last state election of the year. This time it's Brandenburg's turn. Where the ruling Social Democrats could succeed in the last few meters to deprive the far-right AfD (Alternative für Deutschland / Alternative for Germany) of what they thought was a certain victory. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that.

Post Scriptum

After 28 years, the original German internet search engine MetaGer is shutting down. This makes it older than Google, but it has never been able to compete with it. As Yahoo is ending its involvement as an advertising partner without official justification, one of the longest-lived German Internet projects is now being discontinued. However, I have to admit that I have never used it.

[creme-meme]

[tarisbackyard]

I wonder if all the cultural and linguistical uncanny valley nonsense I experience between German and Dutch stuff is a universal experience between closely related cultures/languages, or if this one is just uniquely headache enducing.

I wanna scream.

[allweknewisdead]

Inventur - Metzstrasse 11 (1975), Želimir Žilnik

One by one, 30 residents of a rental building go on camera, on the building’s stairs, to tell about their lives. Many of them have come to what was then West Germany as “guest workers”. Their home countries include Italy, Greece, Turkey, and other places with which Germany had signed labor recruitment agreements starting in 1955.

[dmcreativestudio]

Sandra Schubert - Transport

TRANSPORT is an artistic work about the transformation process after the reunification of Germany and deals with the tension between memories and history. [...] In a file called “Image Documentations on Attacks on the Sea Border of the GDR”, I was fascinated by photographs of means of transport specially prepared or manufactured for the escape, such as a surfboard equipped with motor and black sail, even a self-constructed submarine – all documents of failed attempts to escape over the Baltic Sea. 

[tilos-tagebuch]

Magdeburg - Mädchen warnte die Behörden

"Er ist gefährlich und er will 20 Menschen umbringen! Bitte antwortet doch…"

Source: https://www.0815-info.news/Web_Links-Magdeburg-Maedchen-warnte-die-Behoerden-visit-11588.html

[head-post]

Poland downplayed reports Germany sent back 40,000 illegal migrants as part of Dublin agreement

The foreign ministry in Warsaw on Monday downplayed local media reports that Berlin had sent back 40,000 illegal migrants who entered Germany through Poland’s border.

Pawel Wronski, the ministry’s spokesman, brushed aside the media reports, saying:

There are no such concerns here. No mechanisms have ever been fully utilized. I know that information has a life of its own, but we are not facing a flood of migrants sent to us by Germany.

Polish internet platform Interia recently reported that Germany is using the Dublin Regulation, an agreement on illegal migrants seeking asylum in the EU, to send some 40,000 people back to Poland, most of whom entered the country by crossing the border with Belarus.

Germany has a long-standing practice of returning migrants to Poland, especially those who crossed the border illegally. Two key mechanisms are used for this purpose. The first is the Dublin procedure, which applies to migrants who have applied for asylum in Poland but then left, for example, for Germany before their case is finalised. Based on the Dublin agreement, which has been in force for more than ten years, Germany has the right to return such migrants to Poland.

The second mechanism is classical readmission, which can be full or simplified. It concerns migrants who are staying illegally in Germany but were previously in Poland. This procedure is based on a bilateral agreement between Poland and Germany.

In recent months, Germany has focused on tightening controls not only at the borders but also internally, which has led to the identification of a large number of migrants who originally arrived in Poland. These people had applied for asylum in Poland in order to stay legally in the European Union, but then moved to Germany.

Read more HERE

[abhishekdigi-blog]

Germany Job Seeker Visa 2024: Your Comprehensive Guide to Career Opportunities

Germany stands out as a premier destination for skilled professionals from around the globe, offering a strong economy, high quality of life, and diverse career opportunities. The Germany Job Seeker Visa is a unique program designed for qualified individuals from non-EU countries, allowing them to enter Germany for up to six months to search for employment in their field of expertise. This guide provides an in-depth look at the visa's features, application process, and strategies for securing a job in Germany.

What is the Germany Job Seeker Visa?

The Germany Job Seeker Visa is a temporary residence permit that enables skilled workers to explore job opportunities in Germany without requiring a job offer prior to arrival. This visa is particularly beneficial for those looking to leverage the country's strong demand for skilled labor across various sectors.

Key Features of the Germany Job Seeker Visa

Temporary Residence Permit:

The visa allows you to stay in Germany for six months to look for employment. This time frame can be crucial for networking and attending interviews in person.

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the Germany Job Seeker Visa, applicants must meet several specific requirements:

Educational Qualifications:

Candidates must possess a recognized qualification equivalent to a German bachelor’s or master’s degree. This may require evaluation by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) to confirm that foreign qualifications meet German standards.

Professional Experience:

A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in a field experiencing labor shortages in Germany is necessary. This experience should demonstrate a clear career trajectory, showcasing specialized skills and professional growth.

Financial Resources:

Applicants must show proof of financial stability, typically by maintaining a blocked account with approximately €5,100, which serves as evidence of the ability to support oneself during the job search.

Health Insurance:

Valid health insurance that covers all necessary medical treatments during the stay in Germany is mandatory. Applicants must provide documentation confirming comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Language Proficiency:

While not a strict requirement, having at least a basic proficiency in German (A1 level) can greatly enhance job prospects, as many employers prefer candidates who can communicate in German.

Application Process: The application process for the Germany Job Seeker Visa is systematic and requires careful preparation:

Document Preparation:

Essential documents include:

A valid passport with a minimum of six months of validity.

Educational certificates and transcripts proving the equivalence to a German degree.

Proof of professional experience, such as employment letters and references from previous employers.

Recent bank statements demonstrating financial resources.

Health insurance documentation.

A well-structured CV and a compelling cover letter that outlines your job search strategy and career objectives.

Complete the Visa Application Form:

Download and fill out the visa application form from the German embassy or consulate’s website. Ensuring accuracy in this document is crucial to avoid processing delays.

Schedule an Appointment:

Book an appointment at the nearest German embassy or consulate for a visa interview. Given the high demand for visas, it is advisable to schedule this appointment well in advance to ensure timely processing.

Attend the Visa Interview:

During the interview, be prepared to discuss your qualifications, work experience, and motivations for seeking employment in Germany. Demonstrating knowledge of the German job market and potential employers can positively influence the outcome.

Pay the Visa Fee:

The visa application fee is approximately €75. Payment methods can vary by location, so it’s important to check the specific payment procedures on the consulate's website.

Processing Time:

The processing time typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. Submitting your application as early as possible is essential to avoid delays in starting your job search.

Benefits of the Germany Job Seeker Visa

Enhanced Job Opportunities:

Being present in Germany allows candidates to engage directly with potential employers, attend interviews, and participate in networking events, significantly improving the likelihood of securing a job.

Access to a Thriving Economy:

Germany’s robust economy, characterized by low unemployment and a high demand for skilled professionals, particularly in sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades, makes it an attractive destination for job seekers.

Pathway to Permanent Residency:

Successfully securing a job opens the door to transitioning from the Job Seeker Visa to a work visa or EU Blue Card. After residing in Germany for a minimum of 33 months (or 21 months with adequate language proficiency), individuals can apply for permanent residency, facilitating long-term settlement and integration into German society.

Effective Job Search Strategies

To maximize the chances of securing employment in Germany, candidates should implement the following effective job search strategies:

Leverage Job Portals:

Utilize online job platforms such as LinkedIn, StepStone, Indeed, and Monster to find job listings in Germany. Regularly check these sites and set up alerts for new postings relevant to your skills and experience.

Network Strategically:

Attend industry conferences, job fairs, and local professional events to connect with potential employers and fellow professionals. Building a strong professional network can lead to referrals and valuable job opportunities.

Customize Applications:

Tailor your CV and cover letter for each job application, ensuring they reflect your skills and experiences relevant to the position. Using keywords from the job description can enhance the visibility of your application to employers.

Enhance Language Skills:

Investing time in learning the German language can significantly boost employability. Consider enrolling in language courses, utilizing language learning apps, or joining local conversation groups to improve proficiency.

Research Target Companies:

Identify companies in Germany that align with your career goals. Conduct thorough research on their culture, values, and available job openings to tailor your applications effectively.

Utilize Professional Associations:

Join professional associations relevant to your industry. These organizations often provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and access to job boards specifically tailored for professionals in your field.

Engage with Recruitment Agencies:

Collaborate with recruitment agencies that specialize in your industry. These agencies can help match you with job opportunities that suit your skills and experience while also offering guidance on market trends and salary expectations.

Transitioning to Employment in Germany

Once you secure a job offer, transitioning from a Job Seeker Visa to a work visa or EU Blue Card involves several key steps:

Apply for a Work Visa:

Your employer will typically assist you in applying for a work visa specific to your job role. Gather all required documentation, including your job offer letter, and understand the application requirements clearly.

EU Blue Card Application:

The EU Blue Card is specifically designed for highly skilled workers. To qualify, your job must meet certain salary thresholds, which vary by profession and region. The Blue Card provides several advantages, including greater mobility within EU countries and a streamlined pathway to permanent residency.

Pursuing Permanent Residency:

After residing in Germany on a Blue Card or work visa for a specified period (33 months or 21 months with adequate language skills), you can apply for permanent residency. This status allows you to live and work in Germany indefinitely, providing stability and security for your future.

Understand German Work Culture:

Familiarizing yourself with German work culture and etiquette can be beneficial in your job search and transition. German workplaces often value punctuality, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. Understanding these cultural nuances can help you adapt more easily and make a positive impression on future employers.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While the Germany Job Seeker Visa presents numerous opportunities, applicants may encounter challenges during their job search. Here are some common obstacles and strategies to overcome them:

High Competition:

Many skilled professionals are vying for limited positions. To stand out, focus on showcasing unique skills, achievements, and experiences in your application materials.

Language Barrier:

If you’re not proficient in German, consider taking intensive language courses before and during your stay. Many language schools offer programs tailored to professionals.

Cultural Adjustment:

Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging. Engage with local communities, participate in cultural events, and build friendships to help ease the transition.

Navigating the Job Market:

The German job market can be complex. Stay informed about industry trends, salary expectations, and company cultures by utilizing resources like professional associations, networking events, and industry publications.

Conclusion

The Germany Job Seeker Visa in 2024 offers a significant opportunity for skilled professionals seeking to enhance their careers in one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. By understanding the eligibility requirements, navigating the application process effectively, and implementing strategic job search methods, candidates can maximize their chances of successfully relocating to Germany. With careful preparation, proactive networking, and a commitment to adapting to the local culture, you can achieve your professional aspirations and build a fulfilling life in Germany.

[bopinion]

2024 / 23

Aperçu of the Week

"Shut up! I can't stand it!"

(Donald Duck, who so often speaks from my soul, turned 90 years on Sunday)

Bad News of the Week

Germany - and by that I mean society and politics - cannot find a sensible way to deal with extremism. Not with the right, not with the left - and not with religious fanaticism either. In Mannheim, a police officer was killed when he tried to defend the election campaign stand of a far-right movement (of all things) against an attack by an individual. A drama that shocked many. The attacker was an Afghan, who is unsurprisingly a Muslim.

Since then, people in Germany have been discussing whether there is a misguided migration policy or whether Germany has a problem with Islamist parallel societies. Unfortunately, this is grist to the mill of those who complain about foreign infiltration, uncontrolled immigration and a lack of integration. Which is all completely inflated. And of course "deportation" was discussed.

Deportation means that someone who applies for asylum and is denied it (for whatever reason) has to go back to their country of origin. With one exception: if they would not be safe there. For example, if they belong to a religious minority that is persecuted in their home country. Or is homosexual, but this is condemned or forbidden by their state. A few failed states such as Syria or Afghanistan are generally considered too unsafe for anyone to be sent back there.

Now this constitutional (and humanitarian!) principle is being called into question. Even by our chancellor. What I don't understand is the specific facts of the case. If someone commits a criminal offense under our laws - which the killing of a police officer, for example, undoubtedly is - they must be charged and sentenced accordingly by our prosecution. According to our laws. Does anyone seriously believe that an attack on Islamophobes that led to the death of an infidel system henchman would be punished in Afghanistan in a way that even resembles our legislation? Which would correspond to our moral sense of justice? Which could give the victim's relatives, friends and colleagues an equity?

Not me. Anyone who commits a crime in Germany should be charged and sentenced in Germany and serve their sentence in Germany. Even if that costs our tax money. We as a state and society owe that to the victim. To misuse this tragedy as a momentum for an exaggerated discussion about "the fundamentally evil foreigner" makes a mockery of the 29-year-old police officer who lost his life in the line of duty even after his death. He certainly does not deserve that.

Good News of the Week

Last week was a more than significant one for Europe. First of all, it was the 80th anniversary of D-Day. In other words, the day on which 170,000 infantrymen from the USA, Great Britain and Canada landed in Normandy with 5,300 ships and supported by 11,000 aircraft as part of "Operation Overlord" to finally liberate Europe from the fascist scourge of Nazi Germany. A historical event for which not least the Germans are grateful, as it paved the way for a democratic peace process in Western Europe that made the European Union possible in the first place - which absurdly exists today without the UK, but that's another story that not even David Cameron can explain.

Which brings us to the elections of the European Parliament, the democratic institution that represents the most people on this planet - because India (not only) in my opinion does not (yet) meet the criteria of a true democracy. Which, for Germany, actually went exactly as expected. With a clear victory for the conservatives (who are in opposition in the Bundestag), a clear strengthening of the far right (whose voters were hardly impressed by the scandals of the last weeks and months) and a rejection of the federal government (the traffic light coalition of social democrats, greens and liberals).

A few details. The electoral map of Germany is precisely divided into two: the conservative CDU/CSU leads in all western federal states, while the far-right AfD leads in all eastern states. The traffic light parties are losing 20% compared to the 2021 federal election that brought them into government. The Greens lose the most. Young people - including many first-time voters, as the voting age of 16 applied for the first time - vote for either small, progressive parties (high level of education) or the AfD (low level of education). This is a drama in itself, as it cuts off an entire generation from political reality. Voter turnout rises slightly to just under 65%.

But it is not all bad: the EPP (European People's Party, to which the German election winners CDU and CSU also belong) of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has won in principle. This is good, even if it will be more difficult for her to gain a majority in the future. Because she is an internationally established leader who is taken seriously in global political circles. Or because she is the driving force behind the "Green Deal", which is making the headlines less and less often, but is still fundamentally on track.

And above all, it is good that these elections took place at all. A democratic election for (almost) an entire continent. A continent that has largely understood that constructive cooperation in peace is to the benefit of all. The foundation for this was laid 80 years ago, when countless young men from faraway North America were prepared to risk their lives for the liberation of Europe. Thank you very much.

I couldn't care less...

...that there is now an action figure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called "Super Bigote" (super moustache). Such a ridiculous cult of personality can't hide the fact that Maduro is closer to a super villain than a super hero.

It's fine with me...

...that Italian opera has been declared an intangible world cultural heritage by UNESCO. As a "Friend of the Italian Opera" (yes, that's a reference), I have a few more suggestions: Parmiggiano, La dolce vita, Vitello tonnato, Ermenegildo Zegna, Aperol sprizz, Vespa, Caffé, Pininfarina, Chianti. And of course that inimitable way of talking with your hands. Viva Italia!

As I write this...

...I can hear crickets chirping. It still feels like April - it's wet, cold and windy. But this sound of nature, which reminds me of vacations as a child, gives me hope that summer will come this year too.

Post Scriptum

Death Valley is living up to its name: temperatures of up to 50 degrees were recorded in the Mojave Desert last week. And 44 in the middle of Las Vegas - never before has it been so hot so early in the year in the south-west of the USA. At the same time, the wildfire season is starting earlier. According to a study published on Friday by the University of California in Los Angeles, air pollution caused by forest fires in California has led to more than 52,000 deaths within ten years. The number of deaths caused by the fires is therefore many times higher than the number of fire-related deaths. Yes, the "consequential costs" of climate change, which are often concealed, also cost human lives.