Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

Germany news: Strike to block all flights at Berlin airport Berlin-Brandenburg Airport is to ground all flights amid a strike called for Wednesday. Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU is set to remain the strongest party at the local level in the state of Hesse. Follow DW. US wants help to guard Strait of Hormuz, but EU is not keen As Trump dials up pressure on Europe to guard the Strait of Hormuz, Russia is taking advantage of the rise in energy prices to the detriment of Ukraine and its allies in Europe. Court rejects move to indict Valencia leader over flood response Carlos Mazon, president of the Valencia regional government, is facing scrutiny over his handling of floods in late October 2024 that killed more than 200 people. Azerbaijan: Frenchman sentenced to 10 years for spying French citizen Martin Ryan pled guilty to some of the accusations that he was collecting intelligence on behalf of Paris. Hungary's rival parties hold parallel rallies ahead of vote Viktor Orban is facing his first serious challenge in years in Peter Magyar. The two politicians held rallies on Hungary's national day that outlined very different visions for the country's future. Kosovo faces third legislative election in just over a year Kosovo’s failure to elect a president has again plunged the nation into political deadlock. Now, it could face its third parliamentary election in just over a year. The country's international reputation is taking a hit. Kenya minister flies to Russia to halt illegal army hiring Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi is in Moscow to stop the forced recruitment of Kenyans to fight against Ukraine. Over 1,000 citizens were reportedly duped by civilian job offers before being sent to the front line. Germany news: Merz faces new election test in Hesse The far-right Alternative for Germany party is poised for fresh gains in municipal elections in the central state of Hesse. As fuel prices soar, German MPs are urging measures to offset the pain. France: Far-right strength put to test in local elections Voters in France are heading to the polls in local elections seen as a litmus test for next year's presidential vote. A main focus will be the mayoral contest in Paris. Belarus' Kolesnikova receives Charlemagne Prize in Germany Belarusian opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova was awarded the Aachen-based prize in 2022 in absentia. She has now collected it after having been released from prison in December.