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Merz to China: Key Role for Xi Jinping in Ending Ukraine War | News.de

by February 23, 2026

written by

Berlin – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz departs Wednesday for China, where he will meet with President Xi Jinping in a bid to leverage Beijing’s influence in ending the four-year-long war in Ukraine. Merz stated that if Xi Jinping were to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities, “he must stop the day after tomorrow,” according to remarks made at a dpa-Chefredaktionskonferenz in Berlin.

The Chancellor’s trip comes as China continues to maintain economic ties with Russia, including the purchase of oil and gas and the provision of technological components, Merz acknowledged. He emphasized the need for “open conversations” with Xi, expressing a desire to understand China’s perspective although too conveying Germany’s position on the conflict and broader global developments.

Merz had originally planned to visit China last year, but scheduling conflicts prevented the trip. He indicated that he hopes to dedicate significant time to discussions with Xi, focusing on potential areas of collaboration. The meeting will be the first between the two leaders since Merz assumed the chancellorship.

According to a report from France24, Merz previously urged Xi Jinping to support a Ukraine ceasefire push during a phone call in May 2025. The Financial Times reported that the trip was “closely coordinated with Paris and Brussels” to convince Xi to address industrial overcapacity impacting European markets.

In a separate statement reported by Deutsche Welle, Merz also intends to discuss fair economic relations with China, emphasizing the importance of “fair competition and reciprocity” in the economic relationship between the two countries. China’s official response to Merz’s call for support on Ukraine has been limited, with Xi stressing the strategic importance of the Sino-German partnership in a world characterized by “disorder and change,” and expressing a willingness to commence a “new chapter” in the relationship.

February 23, 2026 0 comments

Health

FPÖ Dominates Austrian Parliament with Record Number of Inquiries

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health February 22, 2026

written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

Vienna – The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has significantly increased the number of parliamentary inquiries directed at the Austrian government, continuing a decades-long trend. This surge in questioning, particularly since the recent national elections, is placing a considerable burden on government ministries and raising questions about the balance between parliamentary oversight and administrative efficiency. The FPÖ’s focus extends across a wide range of topics, from pandemic response to NGO funding and ministerial expenses.

Parliamentary inquiries, a standard tool for political control, allow members of parliament to request information from the federal government, which is legally obligated to respond within two months. For over 30 years, the FPÖ has consistently led all parties in submitting these requests, a practice that intensified following the 1998 elections when they surpassed the 2,000 annual inquiry mark, accounting for more than a third of all submissions. The trend continued, with inquiries exceeding 4,000 in 2015 – more than half originating from the FPÖ – and reaching a peak of 4,449 in 2021.

Record Number of Inquiries Submitted

Since the last national election, the FPÖ has submitted 4,009 written inquiries to the federal government, with the majority filed since the formation of the current three-party coalition a year ago. This represents a substantial increase compared to other opposition parties; the Green Party, for example, submitted 671 inquiries during the same period. The sheer volume of inquiries reached a historic high on May 6, 2025, with a total of 825 submissions, a single-day record. Just two weeks prior, on April 25th, 301 inquiries were submitted, with 293 originating from the FPÖ.

A significant portion of the FPÖ’s attention has been directed towards the COVID-19 pandemic, with 844 inquiries raised during this legislative period. Notably, 794 of these were submitted in a coordinated action on May 6, 2025, seemingly as a demonstration to their supporters following the party’s decision to initially delay requesting a parliamentary investigation into the government’s pandemic response. Despite the large number of inquiries, substantial latest insights into the pandemic response have not yet emerged.

Focus on Funding and Expenses

Beyond the pandemic, the FPÖ has demonstrated a keen interest in what they perceive as a lack of transparency surrounding “NGO-Business,” submitting approximately 275 inquiries regarding funding allocated to universities, research institutions, non-profit organizations, and associations. Though, the largest number of inquiries – over 1,000 – concern the expenses and personnel costs of various ministries. According to available data, 81% of these inquiries came from the FPÖ, with the remaining 19% from the Green Party.

The level of detail in these inquiries is striking. For instance, the FPÖ has submitted 58 inquiries specifically referencing the term “Friseur” (hairdresser), repeatedly questioning the expenses incurred by Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) for hairdressing, makeup, and styling services. The Chancellor’s consistent response has been that no such services were utilized during the specified periods. The party even submitted inquiries to all ministries in November regarding potential “bottle deposit fraud,” though no discrepancies were found in the detailed records of ordered and returned beverage containers.

Strain on Government Resources

The primary recipient of these inquiries has been Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), who has received around 700 inquiries – over three-quarters of them from the FPÖ – during this legislative period. Health, Labor, and Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) has received approximately 680 inquiries, while Chancellor Stocker has been the subject of 415. The Interior Ministry has voiced concerns about the workload created by the FPÖ’s inquiries, estimating that each parliamentary inquiry requires an average of 30 hours of staff time to answer. Based on this estimate, the 700 inquiries directed at the ministry have consumed approximately 16,320 personnel hours, equivalent to 2,040 workdays, 408 workweeks, or 9.27 person-years.

The ministry has also criticized many of the inquiries as being “politically motivated and exceeding the bounds of sensible parliamentary control,” citing the quarterly requests for information on the Chancellor’s hairdresser expenses and an inquiry regarding PFAS-containing fire extinguishers, which required a comprehensive review of approximately 11,000 extinguishers despite regular, bi-annual inspections.

As the FPÖ continues to utilize parliamentary inquiries as a key tactic, the debate over effective oversight versus administrative burden is likely to intensify. The coming months will reveal whether this strategy will yield significant policy changes or remain a primarily symbolic exercise of opposition.

What are your thoughts on the role of parliamentary inquiries in holding the government accountable? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and should not be considered professional advice.

February 22, 2026 0 comments

News

EU-Switzerland Deal: Signing Expected Next Week | Updates 2024-2026

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief February 20, 2026

written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Brussels is hopeful for the swift ratification and signing of a package of agreements with Switzerland, a key step towards solidifying the long-term bilateral relationship between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation. A spokesperson for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Thursday that the Commission is awaiting formal authorization from the Council of the European Union to proceed. This development signals a potential breakthrough in years of negotiations aimed at modernizing and stabilizing ties between Bern, and Brussels.

The Council for General Affairs must approve the signing, and is scheduled to meet next Tuesday. According to the spokesperson, the decision is considered a formality. “I hope to be able to confirm the signing next week,” she said, indicating a strong expectation of a positive outcome. The agreements aim to address a range of issues, from scientific cooperation to trade and financial services, and represent a significant effort to update the framework governing the relationship between Switzerland and the EU.

OLIVIER HOSLET / KEYSTONE

Reports from CH-Media newspapers suggest that Swiss President Guy Parmelin is slated to travel to Brussels on March 2nd to formally sign the treaties. Parmelin’s department confirmed that the agreement package is expected to be signed in the first quarter of 2026. This timeline reflects the culmination of extensive negotiations that concluded in December 2024, paving the way for a new era in EU-Swiss relations.

The Swiss Federal Council approved the package in June 2025, underscoring the Swiss government’s commitment to strengthening its ties with the EU. The overarching goal of the new agreements is to stabilize and further develop the bilateral relationship between Switzerland and the European Union, ensuring continued cooperation and mutual benefit. The agreements cover a broad spectrum of areas, including market access, research and innovation, and environmental protection.

Key Objectives of the EU-Switzerland Agreements

The new agreements seek to address several key areas of concern for both sides. These include ensuring continued Swiss access to the EU single market, facilitating scientific collaboration, and establishing a more predictable and stable legal framework for bilateral relations. The agreements also aim to enhance cooperation on issues such as security, environmental protection, and the fight against fraud.

The EU has long sought a more comprehensive and institutionalized relationship with Switzerland, whereas Switzerland has been keen to preserve its autonomy and avoid full membership in the EU. These agreements represent a compromise that seeks to balance these competing interests, providing a framework for continued cooperation while respecting Switzerland’s unique position.

What’s Next for EU-Swiss Relations?

With the Council’s approval expected next week, the signing ceremony in March will mark a significant milestone in EU-Swiss relations. The focus will then shift to the implementation of the agreements, which will require close cooperation between the two sides. The successful implementation of these agreements will be crucial for ensuring continued economic prosperity and political stability in both Switzerland and the European Union. The agreements are expected to foster greater economic integration and facilitate closer collaboration on a range of shared challenges.

The coming months will be critical as both sides work to translate the agreements into concrete actions. Continued dialogue and a spirit of compromise will be essential for overcoming any challenges that may arise during the implementation process. The EU and Switzerland have a long history of cooperation, and these new agreements provide a solid foundation for building an even stronger and more mutually beneficial relationship in the years to come.

What are your thoughts on the future of EU-Swiss relations? Share your comments below and let us know what you feel!

February 20, 2026 0 comments

world

Iran Urged to Reach Deal as Trump Hints at Military Strike

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor February 19, 2026

written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Washington D.C. – The White House has signaled that a diplomatic resolution with Iran remains the preferred outcome, even as President Donald Trump has once again raised the specter of military action against Tehran amid escalating tensions. The renewed threat comes as indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman, between the two nations continue, following Trump’s repeated warnings of a military response to Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protesters last month. Previous attempts at negotiation were derailed in June of last year when Israel launched a series of attacks on Iranian soil, triggering a 12-day conflict between the two adversaries, with the United States subsequently bombing nuclear sites within Iran.

The situation is fraught with risk, as the United States and Iran navigate a complex web of geopolitical interests and historical animosity. The potential for miscalculation and escalation remains high, particularly given the recent history of conflict and the ongoing proxy battles throughout the Middle East. The current diplomatic efforts represent a critical attempt to de-escalate tensions and prevent a wider conflict, but the path forward remains uncertain.

“Iran would be very wise to reach a deal with President Trump and his administration,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday, February 18th, according to reports. This statement followed Trump’s renewed indications that the U.S. Might attack Iran, coinciding with a significant U.S. Military buildup in the Middle East. On his Truth Social platform, Trump initially cautioned the United Kingdom against relinquishing sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, then suggested that Diego Garcia airbase, located within the islands, would be necessary if Iran does not reach an agreement with the U.S. “If Iran decides not to make a deal, then the United States may have to use Diego Garcia, from the airfield located in Fairford, to obliterate any potential attacks by a very unstable and dangerous regime,” Trump stated.

Reports from major U.S. News outlets, including CNN and CBS News, indicated on Wednesday, February 18th, that the U.S. Military was prepared to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, though Trump had not yet made a final decision. The Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed U.S. Official, reported that Trump had been briefed on military options designed “to maximize damage.” According to the official, these options included strikes aimed at “killing a number of Iranian political and military leaders, with the goal of overthrowing the government.”

Iran Rejects Demands, Maintains Desire for Peace

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed on Wednesday, February 18th, that his country does not seek war, but also indicated a refusal to yield to Washington’s demands. “We do not want war,” he stated. “Since the day I took office, I have believed that war should be set aside. But if they try to impose their will on us, humiliate us, and demand that we bow our heads in every way, should we accept it?” Pezeshkian’s comments underscore Iran’s firm stance against external pressure and its determination to protect its sovereignty.

The Oman-mediated negotiations are intended to avert potential U.S. Military action, with Tehran demanding the lifting of sanctions that have crippled its economy. Iran insists that discussions be limited to the nuclear issue, whereas the U.S. Is pushing for a broader scope that includes Iran’s missile program and its support for armed groups in the Middle East. Following a second round of talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, February 17th, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country was “formulating” a framework for further talks with the U.S. Araghchi stated that Tehran had agreed to “guiding principles” with Washington, but U.S. Vice President JD Vance countered that Iran had not yet acknowledged all of the red lines set by the U.S.

Past Conflicts and Regional Implications

The current tensions build upon a history of conflict between the U.S. And Iran, dating back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, offered a temporary respite, but the U.S. Withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under the previous administration led to a resurgence of tensions. The recent escalation is further complicated by regional dynamics, including the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria, where Iran and the U.S. Support opposing sides. A military confrontation could destabilize the entire region, potentially drawing in other actors and exacerbating existing conflicts. You can find more information about the JCPOA here.

The potential for a U.S. Attack on Iran has raised concerns among international allies, with many urging restraint and a return to diplomacy. The United Kingdom, while a close ally of the U.S., has expressed reservations about military action, particularly given the potential for unintended consequences. The European Union has also called for de-escalation and a renewed commitment to the JCPOA. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Israel, which has long viewed Iran as a threat and has repeatedly called for stronger action against Tehran.

What comes next will likely depend on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations and President Trump’s ultimate decision regarding military action. The coming days are critical, as the risk of miscalculation and escalation remains high. Continued diplomatic efforts, coupled with a commitment to de-escalation from all parties, are essential to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Share your thoughts on this developing situation in the comments below.

February 19, 2026 0 comments

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