Deutsche Welle

2026 Goethe Medal awarded to Pärt, Raja, and Tsinikoris

The 2026 Goethe Medal will be awarded to composer Arvo Pärt, writer Anita Raja, and cultural figure Prodromos Tsinikoris. Despite working in different fields and countries, the recipients are united by their focus on Europe in transition. The medal recognizes their contributions to European cultural dialogue.

Why it matters: The award highlights the importance of cultural exchange and intellectual dialogue during a period of significant European transformation. It underscores Germany's commitment to fostering pan-European cultural connections amid contemporary challenges.

Afghanistan's Shiite and minority communities live in fear after attack

An attack on a Shiite place of worship in Herat killed at least 11 people, heightening fears among Afghanistan's minority communities. Despite Taliban pledges of protection, a sense of structural vulnerability is growing within the Shiite community. The incident reflects ongoing sectarian tensions under Taliban rule.

Why it matters: The attack highlights the precarious situation of religious minorities in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and raises questions about the regime's ability or willingness to protect vulnerable populations. This has implications for human rights and could trigger displacement or migration.

Iran war squeezes India's pharma supply chain

Supply chain disruptions, higher energy and freight prices, and reliance on Chinese APIs are squeezing margins, raising the risk of higher drug prices and potential shortages.

Hungary inspires Israeli opposition bid to defeat Netanyahu

Taking a cue from the ousting of Hungary's long-time leader, Viktor Orban, two Israeli opposition figures have joined forces to try to unseat Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Iran war: UN rights chief 'appalled' by arrests, executions

The UN rights office reports executions, mass arrests and a sweeping crackdown in Iran during the war, with thousands detained. Meanwhile, the country's currency has hit a record low. DW has the latest.

UK: 2 people stabbed in north London, suspect arrested

British police arrested a man after two people were stabbed in Golders Green, an area of north London with a large Jewish population. A Jewish community security organization said the wounded people were being treated.

'Rose' and the piece of fabric that embodies gender politics

As the film starring Sandra Hüller is released in Germany, DW talked to director Markus Schleinzer about why women passing as men inspired his historical drama, and why it's a current topic.

Why Germany wants a seat at the UN Security Council

With the rules-based world order "under stress," Germany is on a mission to gain a coveted seat at the United Nation’s top table. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told DW why diplomacy still matters.

Thailand ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra is granted early parole

The influential former prime minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, is set to be released from prison in May. He was serving a one-year prison term for corruption that began in September.

Why UAE's OPEC exit is a blow to Saudi Arabia

The United Arab Emirates is leaving OPEC to pump more oil on its own terms. The break strips Saudi Arabia of a key partner and adds to growing uncertainty over the cartel's future.

South Korea: Yoon's obstruction sentence hiked to 7 years

Yoon has also been handed a life sentence for leading an insurrection in a separate trial. The prison sentences follow his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024.

Hungary's Magyar meets EU's von der Leyen in high-stakes Brussels visit

Even before Peter Magyar takes office as Hungary's prime minister, he is looking to unlock €10 billion in EU funding ahead of an August deadline. Talks with Ursula von der Leyen come as part of a post-Orban EU reset.

Israel in Lebanon: Is the 'security buffer zone' legal?

Buffer zones occupy a grey area in international humanitarian law, as rules around them in contemporary warfare are not particularly clear.

EU Parliament pushes for bigger long-term budget, new taxes

The European Parliament has backed plans to boost the EU's long-term budget and introduce new taxes to support farming and poorer regions. The proposals have set up a clash with member states, including Germany.

EU accuses Meta of allowing children under 13 on platforms

The European Commission accused Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook, of breaching its own rules of barring children under the age of 13 from using its platforms.

Germany news: Cabinet discusses 2027 budget plans as Iran war threatens finances

The Cabinet hopes to sign off on core points of its 2027 budget, so it can start to move through parliament. Germany already plans massive borrowing next year, before adequately factoring in Iran-based costs. Follow DW.

High Voter Turnout in West Bengal Elections Despite Violence

West Bengal saw strong voter participation in its final round of elections despite incidents of violence, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's TMC party faces Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP in a closely contested race. Separately, a Dalit man shared experiences of the Indian diaspora in Germany. The elections represent a crucial political battle in India's most populous state.

Why it matters: The West Bengal elections are pivotal for both major parties and could influence India's national political landscape, while also highlighting concerns about electoral violence and democratic process integrity.

India news: Final West Bengal poll phase begins amid violence, rigging claims

Mamata Banerjee's TMC and Narendra Modi's BJP are locked in a high-stakes battle in the final round of voting. Meanwhile, rain has provided some respite to the heat in Delhi. DW has the latest.

Trump says King Charles agrees Iran cannot have nuclear bomb

During a state dinner at the White House, US President Donald Trump said that Britain's King Charles III had agreed that Iran could not possess nuclear weapons. Trump also said that Iran had been "militarily defeated."

Extreme weather and green energy on the rise in Europe

Europe's climate extremes have hit new highs — but renewables are now supplying nearly half of the continent's electricity.

US to produce passports featuring Trump's image

Donald Trump's picture will soon appear in limited edition passports, commemorating the United States' 250th year of independence. It is the latest effort to slap Trump's face on US institutions and documents.

Ex-FBI Director James Comey indicted again — official

It is the second time the Justice Department under Donald Trump has indicted Comey. Comey is a frequent critic of the president.

EU Parliament approves common definition of rape

Until now, definitions of what constitutes rape under criminal law had varied significantly across the EU, ranging from "only yes means yes" to "only no means no."

How a controversial gas pipeline deal could further stall Bosnia's EU accession

A US backed gas pipeline could help Bosnia cut reliance on Russian energy. But Brussels warns that a deal with a company linked to Trump allies could put the country's EU hopes at risk.