Nearly half of German pupils suffer from sleep problems, fuel prices hit record highs, German Defence Minister visits US for high profile talks and more news on Tuesday, September 15th.
Tuesday’s top story: Nearly half of German school pupils suffer from sleep problems
Many schoolchildren in Germany are struggling with poor sleep, exhaustion and declining wellbeing, according to a major new survey.
Research commissioned by health insurer DAK-Gesundheit found that 46 percent of pupils in years five to ten experience sleep problems at least once a week, up from 36 percent before the pandemic.
Meanwhile, more than two-thirds of respondents said they regularly feel drained and exhausted, a sharp rise from 52 percent three years ago.
Health experts point to excessive screen time and social media use as key contributors. The president of Germany’s association of paediatricians warned that children who spend evenings on social media or watching distressing online content are often unable to get the healthy sleep they need.
The survey also suggests broader concerns about young people’s mental wellbeing. Nearly half reported reduced wellbeing, while only 57 percent said they felt positive about their future, down from 62 percent last year.
The findings are based on responses from more than 30,000 pupils across 141 secondary schools.
READ ALSO: Germany’s plan to protect young people from social media harm
German fuel prices hit record highs
Motorists across Germany are facing a fresh squeeze as petrol prices climb to record levels and diesel edges ever closer to an all-time high, raising fears of further increases in the weeks ahead.
According to the ADAC motoring association, the average price of E10 petrol reached a record €2.273 per litre over the weekend, while diesel rose to €2.404 per litre, just a few cents below its historic peak.
Fuel costs have surged over the past fortnight, with petrol rising by around 12 cents per litre and diesel by more than 20 cents.
The average price of E10 petrol reached a record high over the weekend, according to the ADAC motoring association. Photo: Engin Akyurt/Pexels.com
READ ALSO: Three apps to help drivers in Germany find the cheapest fuel
The latest increases have been driven largely by turmoil in the Middle East, including disruptions to oil exports and concerns over supplies moving through the Strait of Hormuz. But the ADAC argues that oil prices alone do not fully explain the sharp rise at German forecourts and has called for greater transparency across the fuel supply chain.
The soaring costs have reignited debate over government intervention. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Minister-President Manuela Schwesig has renewed calls for a fuel price cap, arguing that motorists cannot continue to absorb ever-rising costs.
Industry representatives have even warned that prices could eventually approach €3 per litre, although the ADAC says such a scenario would require another major spike in global oil markets.
Pistorius heads to Washington as Germany takes delivery of first F-35 fighter
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is set for a high-profile visit to the United States this week, with talks on European security, military support for Ukraine and the future of US troop deployments expected to top the agenda.
The SPD politician will begin his trip with a meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Discussions are likely to focus on Washington’s review of its military presence in Europe, as well as the continuing supply of American weapons to European allies and Ukraine amid growing concerns about US stockpiles.
A key moment of the visit will come later in the week when Pistorius formally takes delivery of Germany’s first F-35 fighter jet. Berlin has ordered 35 of the advanced aircraft to replace the Bundeswehr’s ageing Tornado fleet.
The first aircraft delivered will initially remain in the US and be used there for pilot training.
Germany and Poland offer 60,000 free rail passes for young travellers
Young adults in Germany and Poland will soon have the chance to explore their neighbouring country free of charge, as the two governments launch a scheme offering 60,000 complimentary train tickets to mark the 35th anniversary of the German-Polish Neighbourhood Treaty.
Applications open on Tuesday for the new “Friendship Pass”, with 30,000 tickets available on each side of the border. The initiative is open to people aged 18 to 27 and covers travel between November 2026 and October 2027.
Successful applicants will receive seven flexible travel days by rail in the neighbouring country, as well as a free return journey within their home country.
READ ALSO: Germany’s newest long-distance train connects Frankfurt to eastern Europe
German Transport Minister Steffen Bilger said the programme would allow young people to experience the close partnership between Germany and Poland firsthand while promoting sustainable travel across Europe.
The anniversary celebrations will also include a special “Culture Train” running between Berlin and Warsaw from late September to mid-November. The service will feature bilingual cultural events ranging from concerts and readings to discussions and workshops.
Germany and Hungary seek fresh start after years of tension
Germany and Hungary have pledged to rebuild relations following years of strained ties, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declaring that the two countries are “turning a new page” after talks in Budapest.
The visit marks the first by a German foreign minister to Hungary since 2019 and comes after the election defeat of long-serving nationalist leader Viktor Orbán earlier this year.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (L) and his Hungarian counterpart Anita Orban (L) pictured in Budapest on Monday. It is the first visit by a German foreign minister to Hungary since 2019. Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP
Wadephul praised Hungary’s new conservative, pro-European government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar, saying it had moved quickly to restore the rule of law and reorient the country towards closer cooperation with the European Union.
A key issue during the talks was European security and support for Ukraine. Wadephul welcomed Hungary’s decision to drop its opposition to a €90 billion EU loan package for Kyiv, describing the move as important for Europe’s security and freedom.
Economic ties were also on the agenda. Germany is one of Hungary’s most important investors, with German companies employing around 250,000 people in the country. Wadephul said that restoring fair and predictable business conditions would encourage further investment and help unlock billions of euros in EU funds that had previously been frozen by Brussels over rule-of-law concerns.
With reporting by AFP and DPA.
