(L-R) German State Minister for Culture and Media Wolfram Weimer, German Minister for Research, Technology and Aerospace Dorothee Baer, German Minister of State for Europe in the Foreign Office Gunther Krichbaum, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, German Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building Verena Hubertz and German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan arrive to pose for a family photo during a retreat meeting of the German cabinet on August 25, 2026 in Neuhardenberg, northeastern Germany. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP via Getty Images)