{"id":317653,"date":"2025-08-04T17:12:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T17:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/317653\/"},"modified":"2025-08-04T17:12:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T17:12:15","slug":"finance-minister-in-us-amid-tariff-tension-dw-08-04-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/317653\/","title":{"rendered":"Finance Minister in US amid tariff tension \u2013 DW \u2013 08\/04\/2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Skip next section Klingbeil pushes for steel quota as tariff deadline nears<\/a><\/p>\n

08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025Klingbeil pushes for steel quota as tariff deadline nears<\/p>\n

\"SteelSteel production is a mainstay of Germany’s industry Image: Martin Meissner\/AP Photo\/picture-alliance<\/p>\n

With just days to go before new US tariffs on EU imports take effect, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil<\/a> has said he is seeking exemptions for Germany’s steel sector.<\/p>\n

During a visit to Washington, Klingbeil said he would raise the idea of a quota system that could allow certain volumes of steel to be traded across the Atlantic at lower tariff rates \u2014 or possibly tariff-free.<\/p>\n

“That would be very important for the German steel industry<\/a> and for many jobs in Germany,” he told reporters in Washington.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Klingbeil, who is also Germany’s vice chancellor,\u00a0expressed disappointment with the EU’s overall negotiations with the United States.<\/p>\n

“I think we were too weak. We can’t be satisfied with the result that was achieved,” he said.<\/p>\n

“We need to consider what actually came out of the past few weeks of talks.”<\/p>\n

Klingbeil had previously warned that Germany would need to draw “consequences” from the outcome of the tariff talks. Speaking on public radio Deutschlandfunk, the center-left Social Democrat politician called the current state of global trade “a setback.”<\/p>\n

The EU and US recently reached a deal<\/a> to end their long-running tariff dispute. The agreement, brokered by President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, sets a 15% tariff on most EU goods entering the US. The new rules are scheduled to take effect on August 7.<\/p>\n

Green transition poses risks to European steelmakers

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https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yVxR<\/p>\n

Skip next section Germany to raise ‘mother’s pension’ \u2014 despite cash-strapped public coffers<\/a>08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025Germany to raise ‘mother’s pension’ \u2014 despite cash-strapped public coffers\"ElderlyThe five-billion-euro raise in mothers’ pensions will give former stay-at-home moms 20 euros extra per monthImage: Channel Partners\/Zoonar\/picture alliance <\/p>\n

Germany is to give older parents a higher pension than before, thanks to the Bavarian CSU.<\/p>\n

But businesses and economists say the ‘mother’s pension’ is an extra burden on younger generations.<\/p>\n

Read the full story on why the German government is planning to give retired stay-at-home moms more money<\/a>.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yVVH<\/p>\n

Skip next section Klingbeil calls for stronger coordination on tariffs ahead of US talks<\/a><\/p>\n

08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025Klingbeil calls for stronger coordination on tariffs ahead of US talks<\/p>\n

\"LarsThe German Finance Minister is on a one-day visit to Washington Image: Drew Angerer\/AFP<\/p>\n

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has urged closer international cooperation as he prepares to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington on Monday, following the European Union’s recent tariff deal<\/a> with President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n

“I think that our weaknesses have already been exposed in the dispute with the Americans over customs duties,” Klingbeil said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio ahead of the visit.<\/p>\n

He called for deeper coordination with other key partners such as Canada and the United Kingdom, adding, “We must become stronger.”<\/p>\n

The EU and the US reached a compromise late last month after prolonged trade tensions.<\/p>\n

The deal, brokered by Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, sets a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US \u2014 down from a previously threatened 30%.<\/p>\n

Klingbeil welcomed the agreement but said critical details still needed clarification. He admitted he had hoped for a more favorable outcome and stressed that his priority now was to protect German jobs and industries, particularly in the steel sector.<\/p>\n

He also raised questions about elements of the agreement, including its impact on steel exports and the possibility of a quota system.<\/p>\n

German SMEs fear tariffs impact

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https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yVr0<\/p>\n

Skip next section German scientists search for climate clues in ancient ice<\/a>08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025German scientists search for climate clues in ancient ice\"TwoScientists at the Little Dome C camp in Antarctic, where they retrieved the ancient iceImage: PNRA_IPEV<\/p>\n

German scientists drilled thousands of meters into the Antarctic ice sheet to retrieve the world’s oldest ice sample.<\/p>\n

They hope it could provide insight into today’s climate crisis.<\/p>\n

Read the full story about what the German scientists found in the Antarctic ice<\/a>.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yV96<\/p>\n

Skip next section Economy minister says Germany needs to ramp up chip production<\/a><\/p>\n

08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025Economy minister says Germany needs to ramp up chip production<\/p>\n

Economy Minister Katherina Reiche<\/a> said Monday that Germany and Europe must boost\u00a0their position in the global chip market.<\/p>\n

During a visit to the construction site of chipmaker Infineon’s new factory in Dresden, the CDU lawmaker\u00a0said semiconductor manufacturing is vital\u00a0in maintaining\u00a0Germany’s economic resilience and its competitiveness as a business location.<\/p>\n

The European Union\u00a0currently accounts for around\u00a08% of global semiconductor production, while the\u00a0demand stands at 20%.<\/p>\n

“That means we have to catch up,” Reiche\u00a0said.<\/p>\n

Infineon is building a new chip facility in Dresden with \u20ac1 billion ($1.1 billion) in federal government funding contributing toward the total cost of \u20ac5 billion.<\/p>\n

Can Europe keep up with the US, China in the high-tech race?

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https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yUlH<\/p>\n

Skip next section WATCH: Begging in Germany \u2014 out of options in a wealthy country<\/a>08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025WATCH: Begging in Germany \u2014 out of options in a wealthy country<\/p>\n

Felix Pauschinger<\/p>\n

In Germany’s cities, begging is a sad reality. Every day, people like Claude and Cecilia fight for survival \u2013 and their dignity.<\/p>\n

Begging in Germany \u2014 out of options in a wealthy country

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https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yUfC<\/p>\n

Skip next section Man electrocuted taking selfie on top of train in Cologne<\/a><\/p>\n

08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025Man electrocuted taking selfie on top of train in Cologne<\/p>\n

\"AnThe Cologne central station is situated next to the city’s famous cathedralImage: Jana Rodenbusch\/REUTERS<\/p>\n

German police said Monday that a\u00a0man electrocuted himself while taking a selfie, after\u00a0climbing onto a stationary train at Cologne<\/a> central station.<\/p>\n

Police said the man\u00a0got too close to a power line and suffered severe burns as a result. He was taken to hospital and, while conscious, he said he climbed onto the train roof\u00a0to take a selfie, the police statement said.<\/p>\n

Even though he did not\u00a0make\u00a0direct contact, an electric arc was created with a current approximately 65 times stronger than that of a conventional power socket, police said.<\/p>\n

Police have asked for people who may have\u00a0witnessed\u00a0the incident, which occurred\u00a0on Sunday, to come forward.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yUTm<\/p>\n

Skip next section Why the birth rate in Germany continues to nosedive<\/a>08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025Why the birth rate in Germany continues to nosedive\"AGermany’s birth rate is plummetingImage: Markus Scholz\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/p>\n

Women in Germany are having just 1.35 children on average \u2014 a record low level.<\/p>\n

Does this say something about the country’s state of prosperity, or is it a sign that women are asserting their rights?<\/p>\n

Read the full story on Germany’s falling birth rate<\/a>.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yTSH<\/p>\n

Skip next section German lawmakers call for more scrutiny against unemployment benefit fraud<\/a><\/p>\n

08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025German lawmakers call for more scrutiny against unemployment benefit fraud<\/p>\n

Lawmakers from Germany’s governing coalition are calling for tougher measures against unemployment benefit fraud, amid growing concerns\u00a0over rising costs.<\/p>\n

“Those who exploit the system must be met with clear sanctions,” Dirk Wiese, the parliamentary secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SPD)<\/a>, told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) media group.<\/p>\n

Wiese said he believes changes\u00a0to the basic income support scheme, known as B\u00fcrgergeld, were necessary. The SPD politician also\u00a0stressed that the majority of those who seek financial help while not working\u00a0want to be in employment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wiese said he also wants to see an increase to the minimum wage.<\/p>\n

Tilman Kuban, a lawmaker for the conservative Christian Democrats, which leads Germany’s coalition along with the SPD, also called for more scrutiny regarding unemployment benefits.<\/p>\n

“The new basic income can only be for those who really need help \u2014\u00a0not for those who don’t want to work,” he told RND.<\/p>\n

In 2024, the state paid out some\u00a0\u20ac46.9 billion ($54.3 billion) in basic unemployment\u00a0support to around 5.5 million people. That was around \u20ac4 billion more than in 2023, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yTus<\/p>\n

Skip next section German police expands use of Palantir surveillance software<\/a>08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025German police expands use of Palantir surveillance software\"TheThe surveillance software of the US company Palantir, which is also used by German police authorities, is controversial worldwideImage: Jakub Porzycki\/NurPhoto\/IMAGO<\/p>\n

Police and spy agencies are keen to combat criminality and terrorism with artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n

But critics say the CIA-funded Palantir surveillance software enables “predictive policing.”<\/p>\n

Read the full story on the controversial Palantir software being used by German police<\/a>.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yTUW<\/p>\n

Skip next section Finance Minister Klingbeil in Washington for talks<\/a><\/p>\n

08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025Finance Minister Klingbeil in Washington for talks<\/p>\n

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil<\/a> (SPD) is in Washington on Monday for talks\u00a0with his US counterpart Scott Bessent, a week after\u00a0the EU agreed with the United States\u00a0on a 15%\u00a0tariff for most European goods.<\/p>\n

The pair are expected to discuss issues related to trade while also\u00a0maintaining and expanding the transatlantic partnership, the Ministry of Finance said ahead of the trip.<\/p>\n

Klingbeil will also meet with World Bank President Ajay Banga and civil society actors to discuss issues of global security and sustainable growth.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yT58<\/p>\n

Skip next section S\u00f6der calls for halt to citizen’s allowance for Ukrainian refugees<\/a><\/p>\n

08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025S\u00f6der calls for halt to citizen’s allowance for Ukrainian refugees<\/p>\n

The premier of Bavaria,\u00a0Markus S\u00f6der<\/a>, said it is time to reduce the benefits for\u00a0Ukrainian refugees in Germany.<\/p>\n

S\u00f6der is in favor of offering Ukrainians\u00a0lower benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, as opposed to the\u00a0citizen’s allowance, which is currently in place.<\/p>\n

In an\u00a0interview with German broadcaster ZDF,\u00a0S\u00f6der said he is in favor of reducing benefits for certain Ukrainian refugees.<\/p>\n

S\u00f6der said there should be “no more citizen’s allowance for all those who have come from Ukraine.”<\/p>\n

The citizen’s allowance in Germany is a state welfare benefit given to those with little or no income to ensure a minimum standard of living.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yTKc<\/p>\n

Skip next section Only 16% of Germans would ‘definitely’ fight for country: study<\/a><\/p>\n

08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025Only 16% of Germans would ‘definitely’ fight for country: study<\/p>\n

Around one in six Germans say they would join the military in the event of a conflict or a call to arms, a new survey revealed on Monday.<\/p>\n

Conducted by the research\u00a0institute Forsa for\u00a0the RND media group, the poll recorded\u00a0that 16% of participants\u00a0said they would “definitely” fight, while another 22% said they would “probably” do so.<\/p>\n

However, 59% said\u00a0they would “probably not” or definitely not be willing to defend Germany in the event of an attack.\u00a0Among women, that reluctance is\u00a072%.<\/p>\n

More than one in four respondents (27%) said they considered a military attack on Germany within the next five years to be very or somewhat likely.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, 59% of respondents\u00a0said they felt\u00a0it was likely that Germany would have to provide military assistance to another NATO member.<\/p>\n

Around 1,000\u00a0citizens took part in the survey which\u00a0was carried out\u00a0on July 28 and July 29, amid heightened debate regarding\u00a0Germany’s defense preparation and increased spending in this area.<\/p>\n

According to Forsa, the results carry a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.<\/p>\n

In May,\u00a0German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said\u00a0that Berlin accepts in principle the demand from the United States that NATO member states increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.<\/p>\n

Currently, Germany spends around 2% of its GDP on defense.<\/p>\n

Rearming Europe means booming business for German startups

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https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/4yT5X<\/p>\n

Skip next section Welcome to our coverage<\/a>08\/04\/2025August 4, 2025Welcome to our coverage<\/p>\n

Guten Tag\u00a0from the DW\u00a0newsroom.<\/p>\n

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is in Washington for talks with his US counterpart Scott Bessent.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Markus S\u00f6der has called for an end to\u00a0the citizen’s allowance for Ukrainian refugees in Germany, preferring to offer\u00a0lower benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.<\/p>\n

A \u00a0survey of around 1,000 German citizens has been\u00a0conducted, amid heightened discussion\u00a0over the country’s defense readiness.<\/p>\n

Follow us for stories on how Germany is coping with\u00a0the myriad of challenges faced by many countries today, as well as a general roundup of the major talking points regarding Europe’s largest economy.<\/p>\n

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