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Germany's Autobahn, the world's only democracy without a blanket speed limit on motorways, has long been a symbol of freedom and technological mastery for driving enthusiasts. Lutz Leif Linden, president of the Automobile Club of Germany (AvD), has reached speeds of 400km/h (249mph) on the road, describing the experience as 'like an airplane.'The country's love affair with fast cars dates back to the late 1800s, with Carl Benz patenting the first 'vehicle powered by a gas engine'. The success of the German car industry, which created jobs, gave citizens freedom to travel, and brought in tax revenues, has cemented motorized vehicles in the national psyche.Despite the International Energy Agency (IEA) urging drivers to slow down to cushion the price shock from the biggest blow to oil supply in history, Germans remain opposed to a blanket speed limit. Public opinion has shifted, with a majority supporting the Tempolimit among voters of all big parties except the far-right Alternative für Deutschland and the market-liberal Free Democrats.Researchers have made the case for slowing down in terms of money, fuel, and lives. A study found a speed limit of 130km/h would lead to nearly €1bn a year in societal benefits, cut greenhouse gas emissions from road transport by 2.2%, and reduce toxic air pollutants. However, opponents argue a blanket ban is unnecessary and cite the time saved over long distances and the appreciation of freedom to set their own speed.The industry has found itself in a crisis as high energy prices and competition from China on electric vehicles have resulted in factory closures and job losses. Germany led efforts to water down an EU ban on the sale of combustion engine cars from 2035. A spokesperson for VDA, Germany's biggest car lobby, described the climate impact of a blanket speed limit as 'minimal' and 'increasingly insignificant' as the car fleet becomes more electrified.

Thomas Tuchel, the England head coach, voiced his disappointment with the Wembley crowd's reaction to Ben White's return to international football during the 1-1 draw with Uruguay. White was booed upon his substitution in the 69th minute, a reaction Tuchel found disheartening.The game was marked by controversy, including a painful tackle by Ronald Araújo on Phil Foden that escaped a red card and an injury to Noni Madueke. Tuchel was also critical of the refereeing, particularly the decision to award Uruguay a penalty for a soft foul by White.“I heard that he was booed,” Tuchel said of White. “It cannot be the majority. There were some boos and some mixed reception for him which I’m disappointed about because of course we protect our players. He was excellent in camp and he deserved to come on. He got us almost a winner.”Tuchel praised his side's effort but focused his anger on the German referee Sven Jablonski, expressing confusion over the VAR's inconsistent application. The draw was a mixed result for England, who were without several regular players and are preparing for the World Cup this summer.

European intelligence agencies have gathered evidence suggesting that Russia is on the verge of supplying drones to Iran for use in its ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. This development could significantly escalate tensions in the region.According to a senior European official, Russia has already been providing intelligence sharing with Tehran to help target US forces. The upcoming delivery of explosive-laden drones would be the first instance of lethal support from Russia to Iran since the start of the war.The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed a report by the Financial Times that western intelligence found Russia was close to completing a phased shipment of drones, medicine, and food to Iran. Drone deliveries could be completed by the middle of next week.In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “There are a lot of fakes going around right now. One thing is true – we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership.”Russia and Iran have signed a strategic partnership agreement and Moscow has sent over 13 tonnes of medicine to Iran through Azerbaijan. Moscow's growing involvement could expand and escalate the conflict, which has been criticized for its ill-defined objectives and resulting geopolitical and economic chaos.European foreign ministers have expressed concern over Russia's support for Iran, with German foreign minister Johann Wadephul accusing Russia of helping Iran identify potential strike targets. “Putin cynically hopes that the escalation in the Middle East will divert our attention from his crimes in Ukraine,” he said.

Gianna, a 23-year-old Camden-based artist, has released her debut EP 'Behind the Wings', which blends polished boho-pop with elements of trip-hop and Balkan folk. Her music is reminiscent of early 2000s Nelly Furtado and All Saints. Gianna's songs are bright and effervescent, making a strong case for the revival of coffee-shop pop.Other notable new tracks include:Nia Archives – Danger: A UK junglist's return with a catchy playground chant acronym and swerving beats.deBasement – Aftermarket Bass (ft Nikki Nair): Fuzzed-out dancefloor bass and commanding icy vocals.Downtown Boys – No Me Jodas: Rhode Island punks return with an expanded sound, blending spit-and-sawdust squall with doom.Brennan Wedl and Waxahatchee – Six O’Clock News: A beautiful essay on outlaw love, combining Lucinda Williams and Sheryl Crow styles.Empress Of – Dream House: Sweet, shuffling R&B; offering to her family, whose home burned down in the Altadena fires.Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mouse on Mars – Rockcurry: Lee “Scratch” Perry's final sessions with a German electronic duo, producing synth-winking music.Khun Narin Electric Phin Band – Poet Wong Pt 1 (เปิดวง ตอน 1): Serene, intricate, psychedelic, and pulverising music from a marching band in northern Thailand.Subscribe to the Guardian's rolling Add to Playlist selections on Spotify or transfer it to Apple, Tidal, or other services.

Andris Nelsons' tenure with the Boston Symphony may have been cut short, but his work with the Gewandhaus Orchestra is a testament to his exceptional skill. This collection of Mendelssohn's symphonies and oratorios, recorded live between 2021 and 2024, highlights Nelsons' ability to bring out the best in the orchestra. The tempi are brisk but never rushed, and it's the phrasing that truly brings these performances to life. The Italian Symphony's opening movement is ultra-lithe, and the Scottish Symphony's scherzo features intricate woodwind work. Nelsons elevates the often-overlooked First Symphony to stand alongside its more colorful counterparts. The set includes two oratorios, Elias (Elijah) and Paulus (St Paul), sung in German. Elias boasts a distinguished lineup, including Golda Schultz and Wiebke Lehmkuhl, with Andrè Schuen delivering a standout performance in the title role. Nelsons' interpretation of Paulus is particularly noteworthy, bringing out the drama in this lesser-known work. This collection is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts, offering a unique insight into Mendelssohn's works and Nelsons' exceptional conducting style. Stream it now on Apple Music or Spotify.

Fears of economic strain are mounting across Europe as the United States-Israel conflict with Iran approaches its one-month anniversary. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has described the situation as an economic 'catastrophe' for global economies, with impacts already becoming evident.Speaking during a meeting with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, Pistorius emphasized Germany's willingness to contribute to peace efforts. He stated that Germany is 'ready to secure any peace' and would discuss operations to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire were implemented.The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has further exacerbated concerns by revising global growth projections. The international body cut its 2026 forecast for British economic growth by half a percentage point to just 0.7 percent, while downgrading the eurozone by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, the US received a 0.3 percentage point upgrade to its growth forecast.Addressing reporters in Canberra, Pistorius criticized the lack of consultation with Germany before the commencement of hostilities. 'Nobody asked us before. It's not our war, and therefore we don't want to get sucked into that war,' he stated, adding that there is no clear strategy, objective, or exit plan from the conflict.The economic repercussions are particularly severe in energy markets. Natural gas prices in the European Union have surged by more than 30 percent since the conflict began, with prices spiking following Israel's attack on Iran's critical South Pars gasfield and subsequent Iranian retaliation against Qatar's Ras Laffan facility.European leaders are increasingly vocal about the economic dangers. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has called for negotiations with Iran and an end to hostilities, while urging member states to accelerate preparations for meeting winter gas storage targets. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has described the situation as 'far worse' than the 2003 Iraq invasion, warning of broader and deeper potential impacts.The economic consequences extend beyond Europe, with the OECD noting that the global economy, previously on a path toward growth, has now veered from that trajectory. Planned fiscal tightening and higher energy prices are expected to keep growth subdued in the United Kingdom, though somewhat mitigated by lower policy rates anticipated for the following year.

German film-maker and author Alexander Kluge, a leading figure in the New German Cinema movement, has died at the age of 94. Kluge was known for his intellectually stimulating films and his role in shaping the cinematic landscape of post-war Germany. Kluge's career was marked by his innovative approach to filmmaking, which often incorporated cinematic collages and experimental techniques. His film Abschied von Gestern (released as Yesterday Girl in the US) was one of the first films to emerge from the Oberhausen Manifesto, a call to the German film industry to break free from traditional and shallow filmmaking. Kluge's contributions to German cinema were significant, and his influence can be seen in the work of other notable directors such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Werner Herzog. He continued to produce films and television programs throughout his career, including arts, magazine, and interview programs for German television through his production company DCTP. Kluge's wartime experiences had a profound impact on his life and work, shaping his commitment to pacifism. However, his comments on the topic have been met with controversy, particularly in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Throughout his career, Kluge collaborated with other artists and writers, including Ben Lerner, with whom he co-authored a poetic dialogue book, The Snows of Venice. Kluge's legacy as a pioneering film-maker and author continues to be celebrated, and his influence on German cinema and culture remains significant.

The conflict in the Middle East is expected to have a significant impact on the UK's economy, with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) warning of rising inflation and downgrading the UK's growth forecast to 0.7% this year.The OECD's analysis suggests that the UK economy will grow by just 0.7% this year, compared to its last forecast of 1.2% for 2026. This downgrade is attributed to a weakening of the UK jobs market and a contraction in business investment towards the end of 2025.The UK's economy is expected to suffer higher inflation than previously expected, with the OECD citing the country's dependence on international trade and imports of fuel as a major factor. In contrast, France, Germany, and Italy are expected to suffer a more modest hit to growth of 0.2 percentage points.The OECD's chief economist noted that the evolving conflict in the Middle East will test the resilience of the global economy, which is expected to grow at an average rate of 2.9% this year. However, the organization warned of a significant downside risk to the outlook, citing persistent disruptions to exports from the Middle East and potential repricing in financial markets.UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves responded to the OECD's warning, stating that the government plans to take steps to build a stronger, more secure economy, including handing more powers to regional mayors, embracing AI and innovation, and establishing a closer relationship with the EU.

Robert Habeck, former German Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has issued a stark warning about the dangers posed by authoritarian leaders driven by megalomania, drawing parallels between Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine and Donald Trump's actions in Iran.Habeck argues that both leaders are primarily concerned with their own greatness, making them unpredictable and disinterested in international law. This megalomania has led to massive military miscalculations, including underestimating the resolve of the countries they attacked to make sacrifices.The article highlights the impact on energy prices, with both conflicts threatening to disrupt global energy supplies. Habeck recalls the high oil prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which rose to $130 a barrel, and warns that a prolonged conflict in Iran could lead to an inflationary contagion beyond energy.Habeck emphasizes the need for Europe to develop its defence capabilities, including stockpiles of interceptor drones and new production capacity, to prepare for the scenario of a long war. He also stresses the importance of rapid electrification of industry, transport, and the heating and cooling sectors to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.The author concludes that Europe must act to prevent the worst outcome, rather than relying on hope or second-best outcomes. As he notes, hope is not a strategy, and the EU must use its resources wisely to protect its infrastructure and ensure energy security.