Germany to conduct nationwide test of warning systems
Germany will conduct a nationwide test of public warning systems for emergencies on September 10 at 11:00. Federal, state and local authorities will activate test signals through the Nina and Katwarn apps, the Cell Broadcast system for mobile phones, as well as media outlets and information boards, The Local Germany reports. An all-clear signal is expected at around 11:45.
The nationwide Warning Day, or Warntag, has been held in the country annually since 2020. Its purpose is to test Germany’s readiness to warn residents about dangers.
PISA results and Merz’s statement
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for nationwide efforts to raise educational standards following the country’s worst results in the international PISA study. Speaking in the Bundestag, he described the figures as disappointing and called for closer cooperation between the federal government and the states. Merz also noted that families play an important role in children’s development.
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According to the 2025 PISA assessment results, about one in three 15-year-old students in Germany lack basic reading and mathematics skills. In science, about a quarter of students did not reach the minimum level, while more than a fifth failed to meet minimum standards in all three areas.
Political disputes and defense production
During a Bundestag debate on foreign and defense policy, Alternative for Germany lawmaker Jürgen Kögel called Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, an aggressor state, a respected president. He also claimed that Russia allegedly poses no threat to NATO. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius responded that Russia’s war against Ukraine is a direct and growing threat to Europe, and described the AfD’s ties with Moscow as treasonous.
Meanwhile, the Saxony-Anhalt regional organization of the BSW party agreed to talks with the AfD on possible cooperation in energy supply, education and peace policy. The AfD needs three votes from lawmakers of other parties to elect its leader, Ulrich Siegmund, as minister-president of the state. U.S. defense startup Covenant also said it intends to produce Anthem cruise missiles with a 200-kilogram payload in Leipzig starting next year.
