Germany news: Berlin still shivering amid power outage

DW•January 5, 2026•world

Key Points:

Thousands of Berlin residents remain without power and heating following a suspected arson attack on a cable bridge, with full restoration expected by Thursday; the left-wing group Vulkangruppe claimed responsibility, targeting the fossil fuel industry.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized 2026 as a decisive year for European security during his visit to Lithuania, reaffirming support for NATO's eastern flank and Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
Germany plans to host a North Sea wind energy summit on January 26 in Hamburg, aiming to expand offshore wind farms and develop interconnected infrastructure with neighboring countries to enhance cross-border electricity trading.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's comments suggesting the possible kidnapping of Chancellor Friedrich Merz were strongly condemned by German