Federal Statistical Office

The deep crisis in the German heavy industry is taking on a domino effect, and the very foundations of the German economic miracle, as it was built post-war, are literally shaking. Next in line is the German industry Evonik, headquartered in Essen, in the Ruhr Valley, the traditional “cradle” of German heavy industry in the most populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The large number of refugees from Ukraine who fled the war with Russia contributed to the increase in Germany's population by 1.3% last year, bringing the number of citizens in the EU's most populous country to 84.4 million people, the Associated Press reported.

Citizens of the Netherlands will receive free sun protection this summer as authorities try to tackle record levels of skin cancer in the country.

Sunscreen dispensers will be available this summer in schools and universities, at festivals, in parks, sports venues and open public spaces across the country, the government has announced.

German annual inflation accelerated in September to 10%, hitting the highest level in more than 70 years, according to final unrevised data from Germany's official statistics agency Destatis.

The consumer price index (CPI) rose 1.9 percent in September from August, when it rose 0.3 percent, marking the strongest monthly gain since March, when it jumped 2.5 percent.

During the past year, the number of foreign tourists in Germany continues to grow, again making a record. According to preliminary data of the federal statistical office, the guests of the country have spent 87.7 million nights, which is a 5% growth. At the same time, the growth of the Bulgarians who have chosen this destination double.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel grimaces as she arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)