Key Takeaways:
- Germany will extend temporary border controls at its land borders beyond the March 15 deadline.
- Political satire is the star of major Carnival parades in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
- A major rail link between Berlin and Hamburg faces further renovation delays.
- The Bundeswehr will integrate Ukrainian military instructors for drone warfare training.
Border Controls Extended Amid Security Focus
In a significant move for European freedom of movement, Germany's Interior Minister has confirmed the country will extend temporary border checks at its land borders. The controls, initially set to expire on March 15, will continue, reflecting ongoing security assessments. This decision underscores a persistent tension within the Schengen Area between open borders and national security prerogatives.
For travelers and cross-border commuters, this means continued spot checks and potential delays at Germany's frontiers with its neighbors. The extension is part of a broader European trend where member states increasingly rely on temporary controls to manage migration and security concerns.
Rosenmontag: Political Satire on Parade
While border policy evolves, a very different German tradition unfolded on the streets. Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), the climax of the Carnival season, saw tens of thousands line the streets of Cologne and Düsseldorf. The parades are famed for their biting political satire, with elaborate floats serving as massive, mobile caricatures.
This year's targets were global and local:
- Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump depicted as figures squeezing Europe from both sides.
- Iran's leadership criticized for cracking down on protests.
- Germany's own Alternative for Germany (AfD) party lampooned for its perceived links to Russia.
- A show of solidarity with Ukrainians suffering through winter blackouts.
The tradition is not without controversy. Celebrated float artist Jacques Tilly, whose anti-Putin designs have led to prosecution threats from Russia, was notably excluded from Cologne's parade—a decision that sparked criticism. His work, however, featured prominently in Düsseldorf.
Infrastructure and Transport Updates
Travel within Germany faces its own hurdles. The critical Berlin-Hamburg rail line will remain closed longer than planned. Severe winter weather has delayed the renovation of underground signaling cables, pushing the completion date past the end of April.
- The 280-kilometer line has been shut since August 2025.
- Daily, it affects 30,000 long-distance passengers and 470 trains.
- Current reroutes add approximately 45 minutes to travel times.
This delay is part of Deutsche Bahn's massive project to modernize over 40 key corridors by 2036. Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has linked such infrastructure resilience directly to national and European security, warning against over-reliance on foreign manufacturers for critical components.
Security and Defense Shifts
Germany's security posture continues its notable transformation. At the recent Munich Security Conference, analysts noted Germany was being treated as a "model ally" by the United States, a stark contrast to previous years. This shift is attributed to Berlin's commitment to dramatically increase defense spending and build "Europe's strongest army."
Concrete changes are already underway:
- The Bundeswehr will soon integrate Ukrainian military instructors into its training programs. The focus will be on drone warfare and modern command systems—areas where Ukrainian soldiers have gained hard-won expertise.
- A major drone procurement deal worth an initial €536 million is progressing, despite political debate over one supplier's minor ties to controversial billionaire Peter Thiel.
Other National Headlines
Beyond borders and parades, other issues captured national attention:
Social Media Addiction: A new study reveals over a quarter of children and young people in Germany exhibit problematic social media use, with 4-6.6% meeting the criteria for addiction. The government is exploring stricter access limits.
Diplomatic Outreach: President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, visiting Lebanon, urged continued disarmament of Hezbollah as part of a 2024 ceasefire agreement with Israel, highlighting Germany's ongoing diplomatic role in volatile regions.
As Lent begins, the festive satire gives way to a period of reflection, but the policy decisions announced amid the celebrations will have a lasting impact on Germany's borders, security, and infrastructure.