Germany's Finance Ministry has reportedly triggered a hike on tobacco products months ahead of schedule due to what officials described as a bureaucratic "technical error." While the mistake put the altered wording on the books immediately, customs authorities confirmed that actual price increases will be delayed until the start of the upcoming year.

Meanwhile, the German Bundesbank has forecasted a modest economic rebound for the fourth quarter following a prolonged contraction. However, the central bank cautioned that any sustainable recovery remains highly vulnerable to external shocks, including ongoing disruptions in the Middle East and severe low-water navigation limits along the Rhine River.

During a conference in Berlin, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang pointed out Europe's stark lag in artificial intelligence infrastructure, noting that the continent hosts a mere 5% of global AI computing capacity compared to the United States' dominant 75%. Huang promoted modular data center solutions, highlighting Nvidia's multi-billion-dollar investments in regional startups to bridge the gap.

On the political front, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed business leaders in Berlin, insisting on stronger EU defensive mechanisms against alleged unfair trade practices by Beijing, while renewing unsuccessful calls for South Africa's inclusion in the upcoming Miami G20 summit. Concurrently, the German regime is pressing forward with controversial welfare and parental allowance reforms, sparking widespread domestic pushback and preparations for mass protests.

Source: www.dw.com