Friday's top story:Berlin police launch controversial AI surveillance pilot
Berlin police have begun testing an artificial intelligence-powered surveillance system in one of the German capital’s busiest crime hotspots, sparking a fresh debate over security and privacy.
The pilot scheme, launched in the Kottbusser Tor area, will initially run for four weeks while the technology is calibrated before becoming fully operational. Unlike facial recognition systems, the new “spatial AI” technology analyses movement patterns and behaviour to identify potential crimes, acts of violence or emergencies.
Police say the system can distinguish between routine activities and incidents requiring attention, reducing false alarms and allowing human officers to decide whether intervention is necessary. The technology is expected to be expanded to other designated high-crime areas if the trial proves successful.
However, the project has attracted strong criticism from civil liberties advocates and political opponents. Germany has a long-standing sensitivity to state surveillance due to the legacy of the Nazi Gestapo and East Germany’s Stasi.
Berlin’s election-winning Left Party and the Greens have already launched a legal challenge against the law underpinning the scheme. The parties warn that it could create an excessive state database and argue that it remains unclear how collected data might be used in the future.
READ ALSO: What to know about talking to the police in GermanyKlopp denied first win as Germany boss as Netherlands snatch late equaliser
Jürgen Klopp’s reign as Germany manager began with a dramatic 1-1 draw against the Netherlands after a stoppage-time equaliser denied the former Liverpool boss a winning start in the UEFA Nations League.
Germany appeared on course for victory in Amsterdam when Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute. But the hosts dominated large periods of the match and eventually earned a deserved equaliser when Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, one of Klopp’s former players, struck in the second minute of added time.
Despite the disappointment of conceding so late, the performance offered encouraging signs for Germany’s new era under Klopp. Several debutants featured, while goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen produced a series of important saves to keep his side in the contest.
The result was overshadowed by injury concerns for two of Germany’s key attacking players. Jamal Musiala withdrew before kick-off with a thigh problem, while Kai Havertz was forced off during the first half after a heavy challenge.
Germany next face Greece in Augsburg as Klopp seeks his first victory as national team coach.
READ ALSO: New manager wants German team to help reclaim national pride from far-rightHeatwaves cost German economy €25bn: Allianz
Germany’s economy suffered an estimated €25 billion hit from last summer’s heatwaves, according to a new study by Allianz and Allianz Trade.
The insurers said prolonged periods of extreme heat reduced productivity, increased absenteeism and forced longer work breaks, while many workplaces lacked adequate cooling systems. These factors combined to lower economic output and cut overall value added across the economy.
Among 30 European countries examined, Germany recorded the second-highest heat-related economic losses, behind Italy and ahead of France. Across Europe, total losses were estimated at €113 billion.
The report argues that Germany remains insufficiently prepared for increasingly frequent heatwaves, making the country especially vulnerable to climate-related economic disruption.
Researchers also warned of further challenges ahead. The El Niño climate phenomenon, combined with ongoing global warming, could trigger another “costly stress test” for the world economy in 2027. Allianz estimates global losses could reach nearly €392 billion, with China, the United States and India expected to bear the largest share.
Climate economist Hazem Krichene warned that rising temperatures in Northern and Eastern Europe suggest economic damage linked to climate change is likely to intensify in the years ahead.
READ ALSO: Germany can expect more intense weather extremes, warns climate expertBerlin braces for record Marathon weekend as 56,000 runners take to the streets
Berlin is preparing for one of its biggest sporting events of the year as more than 56,000 athletes descend on the capital for the 52nd Berlin Marathon this weekend, bringing extensive road closures, heightened security measures and thousands of spectators.
The event begins on Saturday with a 5km race and the inline skating marathon, before handcyclists, wheelchair athletes and runners compete on Sunday. Participants will follow the traditional 42.195-kilometre route through many of Berlin’s most recognisable landmarks, starting and finishing near the Brandenburg Gate.
Police have introduced a temporary weapons and knife ban around the Tiergarten area on both days, while large sections of central Berlin will be closed to traffic. Public transport services are expected to face disruption, although U-Bahn and S-Bahn routes will continue operating normally.
The marathon will also attract a strong elite field, including women’s world record holder Tigst Assefa and former champions from Ethiopia and Kenya. Organisers expect large crowds along the course and have established dedicated spectator zones and family meeting points.
This year’s event also highlights inclusion, coinciding with the International Day of the Deaf and featuring awareness campaigns led by athletes and advocacy groups.
13-year-old arrested in Hamburg as suspected contract killer
In Hamburg, police have arrested a 13-year-old boy as a suspected contract killer. Based on the investigation so far, the public prosecutor’s office believes “that the child had previously been commissioned” to kill someone in Hamburg, as a spokeswoman for the office announced on Thursday.
The boy, who is from the Netherlands, was reportedly arrested back in June in the St. Pauli district.
He has been handed over to Dutch authorities. In Germany, children under the age of 14 are not criminally liable and cannot be punished. In the Netherlands, the age of criminal responsibility is only twelve years.
The Hamburg public prosecutor’s office is investigating on suspicion of attempted incitement to commit a homicide against an unknown person. The spokeswoman explained that there are indications as to who the intended victim was supposed to be; however, to protect the ongoing investigation, no further information could be disclosed.
With reporting by AFP.