Heatwave Strains German Infrastructure: A record-breaking heatwave is moving east, with Germany expected to hit around 40°C and even 41.3°C near Saarbrücken; Autobahn concrete has burst near Berlin, and Deutsche Bahn has advised against nonessential travel as rail cancellations and ticket refunds roll out. Volkswagen Restructuring Shock: Reuters reports VW is weighing up to 100,000 job cuts and shutting four German plants (Hanover, Zwickau, Emden and Audi Neckarsulm) amid Chinese EV pressure, weak demand and US tariff risks, with a July 9 supervisory board discussion. M&A for AI Engineering: Persistent Systems plans to acquire Germany’s Nagarro in a cash offer at €81/share, creating a $2.9bn AI-led digital engineering group with major European and North American scale. Cross-Border Development Finance: Germany pledges KSh 7.8bn for Kenya’s 2026-28 agenda, including digital transformation, TVET, renewable energy, e-mobility and climate-smart agriculture, with possible extra KSh 4bn for energy. Defense Staffing Push: Germany may revive compulsory military service by mid-2027 as voluntary recruitment falls far short, aiming to reach 260,000 troops by 2035. EU Anti-Corruption Funding: The UK and Germany join the EU’s Ukraine anti-corruption initiative with €3.5m and £2.4m to strengthen oversight as reconstruction ramps up. Consumer/Travel Policy Update: American Express Germany cuts Centurion Lounge guest access to one free guest from July 8, 2026.