Media: Germany's pessimistic economic outlook extends to its longest duration in nearly 20 years
¬ U.S. Treasury Secretary: The U.S. will not extend the general license for purchasing Russian and Iranian oil
¬ Iran's Foreign Minister discusses U.S.-Iran negotiations with China's Foreign Minister
¬ Dutch Defense Minister: Netherlands to invest €248 million in Ukrainian drones
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German media cited a research report from the Cologne-based German Institute for Economic Research (IW), stating that Germany’s economy is currently experiencing its most prolonged period of negative business sentiment in two decades.
The report stated: "Germany is going through the longest period of negative business expectations in at least 20 years, since comprehensive nationwide data has been available since 2005."
The study found that 35% of companies expect a decline in output in 2026, while 21% anticipate growth. The report noted there are no signs yet of improving market sentiment or economic improvement, and unfavorable economic conditions are highly likely to further lead to job losses, with the industrial sector being hit first.
To conduct this study, the German Institute for Economic Research surveyed 964 firms in March.
Previously, the institute stated that due to multiple crises since 2020, Germany’s economy has cumulatively lost around €94 billion in added value, with a quarter of this loss occurring in 2025.
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said the United States will not extend the general license allowing purchases of Russian and Iranian oil.
To suppress oil prices surging after attacks on Iran, the U.S. government excluded Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded onto ships starting March 12 from sanctions. Their sales face no restrictions from the U.S. The relevant license issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury is valid until April 11.
Russian President’s Press Secretary Peskov said on April 14 that the U.S. has made no statement regarding an extension of the license for Russian oil sales.
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The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi discussed the negotiations between Tehran and Washington held in Islamabad with China's Foreign Minister.
The message read: "Araghchi spoke with China's Foreign Minister on the phone, discussing developments in regional and global situations, as well as the negotiation process between Iran and the United States in Islamabad."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry did not disclose further details.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov visited Beijing, during which various topics—including the U.S.-Iran conflict—were discussed. After the talks, Lavrov stated that Russia and China are willing to promote any form of external support to advance U.S.-Iran negotiations.
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Dilan Yilligz-Zehrius, Dutch Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister, said on April 15 that the Netherlands will invest €248 million in Ukrainian drones.
According to cabinet sources, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Prime Minister Rob Jetten will meet with Zelenskyy on April 16 to discuss drone production issues.
In December 2025, the Netherlands signed a joint agreement with Ukraine on the production of drones.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1862564711290892/
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