Sick-Leave Crackdown: Germany’s Merz-backed reform package would end “phone-in” sick leave from day one, requiring employees to get a doctor’s note immediately—an HR and payroll headache for employers and workers alike. Fusion Hiring & Funding: Munich’s Proxima Fusion secured €411m (with Google and RWE among investors) to build its Alpha stellarator demonstrator near Munich, with plans to expand technical and operational hiring. Auto Restructuring Watch: Porsche is reportedly considering deeper job cuts in Germany, adding pressure to HR teams already bracing for restructuring and capacity reviews. Alternatives Leadership: DWS appointed JB Park to lead alternatives client coverage for Asia Pacific, signaling continued growth in real estate, infrastructure and private credit client work. Payments Fraud Case: German prosecutors charged 18 people across nine countries in a €300m payment fraud scheme involving insiders at payment providers—likely to keep compliance and HR risk roles in focus. Industrial Biotech Expansion: GEA is investing €4m to expand its Application and Technology Center in Sarstedt, creating about 240 jobs tied to precision fermentation and biomanufacturing. Defense Procurement Jobs Angle: Canada selected Germany’s TKMS as preferred bidder for its patrol submarine project, a win that could support German defense-industry employment pipelines.