Germany news: Foreign minister seeks reset with Hungary

Wadephul's visit is the first by a German foreign minister to Hungary in nearly seven yearsImage: Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa/picture allianceAdvertisementSkip next section What you need to knowWhat you need to know German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul says Berlin and Budapest have a lot of diplomatic ground to make up Wadephul says he hopes Hungary's new pro-European government can help rebuild trust Germany's homeownership rate has fallen to 43.5%, its lowest level in 20 years A study blames high construction costs, higher interest rates and housing policy Here is a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on Monday, September 14, 2026:

The German Ministry of Economy says the country is experiencing an economic slowdown at the beginning of the third quarter.

"The economic boom in energy-intensive industries, which was driven by increased foreign demand in the wake of the conflict in the Middle East, appears to be slowing down," the ministry said in its monthly report.

High energy costs have caused domestic consumption to decline considerably, a trend also driven by the conflict, the report said.

German federal prosecutors have charged a 57-year-old Berlin businesswoman with carrying out intelligence activities for Russia.

Ilona W., who holds German and Ukrainian citizenship, is accused of working for the intelligence service of a foreign power, the Federal Prosecutor's Office said.

She was arrested on January 21 and remains in pre-trial detention.

Fewer people in Germany are living in homes they own, with the country's homeownership rate falling to its lowest level in 20 years, according to a study.

The rate now stands at 43.5%, the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper reported, citing research by the Pestel Institute.

Institute director Matthias Günther said Germany ranked last in Europe for homeownership.

Günther pointed to high construction costs, higher interest rates and housing policy over recent years.

"Even where property prices are stagnating or falling, even dual-income households on average salaries are barely able to afford a home of their own," he said.

According to the study, residential construction costs have risen by 160% since 2000, compared with a 64% increase in overall consumer prices.

Younger people are bearing much of the impact, Günther said. Almost three-quarters of people aged 25 to 45 currently live in rented accommodation, the study found.

Germany and Hungary have "an enormous amount of catching up to do" in their diplomatic relations, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said.

The politician is visiting Hungary as the first German foreign minister to do so in almost seven years.

"Hungary and Germany are opening a new chapter together," Wadephul said before his departure.

He said the political change in Hungary offered an opportunity to rebuild relations "at great speed" on a foundation of mutual trust and reliability.

Hungary's new government had launched important reforms within a short period, he said, adding that a return to the rule of law and implementation of EU requirements were good news both for Europe and for Hungarians.

The nationalist Fidesz party of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban was voted out of office in April. Orban had faced years of criticism from the EU over concerns about democracy and the rule of law.

Since May, conservative Prime Minister Peter Magyar has led a new pro-European government.

Wadephul said predictable rules and the rule of law were important not only for public confidence but also for companies considering investment.

"If fair and reliable competitive conditions once again apply to companies from all EU member states, Hungary's economy will benefit considerably," he said.

German companies already account for around 250,000 jobs in Hungary, according to Wadephul.

A delegation of German business representatives is accompanying him to Budapest to discuss what further steps are needed.

Guten Tag from DW's newsroom in Bonn.

Germany is looking for a fresh start with Hungary after years of strained relations.

Relations had been difficult under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose nationalist Fidesz party faced years of criticism from the European Union over democracy and the rule of law.

In other news, fewer people in Germany are living in homes they own, according to research, with the country now ranking last in Europe for homeownership.

Stay with us here for these stories and more of what Germany is talking about today.