Sep 21, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sharply criticized the Alternative for Germany (AfD) following the far-right party's recent victories in eastern state elections, describing the group in parliament as a "destructive force."

The election results, which marked severe losses for Merz's conservative party, sparked a diplomatic rift after US President Donald Trump publicly praised the AfD's performance on social media. In response, Merz canceled a scheduled phone call with Trump and declared that the era of "unconditional" trans-Atlantic relations built since World War II was "probably over" for now. State intelligence agencies continue to monitor the anti-immigration party, which several states classify as far-right extremists.

Sources: BBC News, Bloomberg, Cyprus Mail, Sweden Herald, The Guardian

Finnish defense technology firm Morphona presented a new carbon-based stealth material at the 10th KSK Symposium Rüstung. The treatment can be applied to various substances, including military textiles, to significantly decrease their radar signatures. According to the company, the primary purpose of the technology is to safeguard equipment and personnel from space-based radar surveillance, which has increasingly exposed ground operations. By minimizing radar reflectivity to a fraction of standard levels, Morphona aims to enhance camouflage against advanced orbital reconnaissance assets currently deployed by modern militaries.

Sources: Hartpunkt

Cologne-based engine manufacturer Deutz AG has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US technology firm Hypercraft to collaborate on unmanned ground vehicles and mobile drive systems.

Under the strategic partnership, the companies plan to combine Deutz’s powertrain engineering capabilities with Utah-based Hypercraft’s expertise in tactical mobility systems. The cooperation will focus on developing advanced electric and hybrid propulsion solutions tailored for specialized commercial and defense robotic platforms. Through this alliance, both partners aim to expand their technical capabilities and strengthen their presence in the growing market for autonomous ground vehicles.

Sources: Hartpunkt

Members of the pro-Russian far-right group Alt Info, operating through its political arm Conservatives for Georgia, staged a demonstration in central Tbilisi to protest a major investment project by United Arab Emirates-based developer Eagle Hills. Demonstrators expressed opposition to the construction of what they termed "Arab cities" on Georgian territory and urged other political factions to join a movement aimed at protecting national land. The real estate firm from the UAE has faced criticism from nationalist groups over its planned developments in Georgia. The demonstration reflects rising nationalist tensions concerning foreign investments and land acquisition in the country.

Sources: OC Media.