German federal states are grappling with growing structural problems in the education system and the labor market. In Bavaria, disputes are escalating over missing teaching positions and the increasing number of students avoiding compulsory schooling. Meanwhile, northern states, including Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, report billions in losses to the state treasury due to undeclared work, leading to intensified customs and tax audits in businesses.

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The discovery of the famous crack on the Atlantic Ocean floor sheds new light on the geology of the Azores region, suggesting the formation of a new subduction zone.

Role of the crack in tectonic plate processes

The transform fault along the Eurasian plate may evolve into a subduction zone, leading to the gradual convergence of Europe and North America.

Evolution of the Atlantic Ocean

This phenomenon is part of the Wilson Cycle, according to which oceans open and close, forming supercontinents, such as the hypothetical Pangea Ultima.

Seismic activity in the region

The crack known as the GLORIA fault is responsible for strong earthquakes, including the catastrophic Lisbon earthquake in 1755.

Novelty of scientific research

Scientists from the University of Lisbon used numerical modeling to prove the process of lithospheric delamination, which is a rarely observed stage in the birth of a subduction zone.

The situation in the German education system is becoming critical, particularly in Bavaria, where trade unions and the opposition Greens are sounding the alarm. Representatives of the Green Party are demanding the creation of an additional 3,000 teaching positions to meet the growing number of students. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that despite the increasing school population, the number of teachers remains unchanged, and the existing moratorium on new positions is paralyzing the development of institutions. An additional challenge is the phenomenon commonly referred to as truancy. Media point to the lack of central statistics on this practice in Bavaria, although data from other regions indicate a clear increase in violations of compulsory schooling, especially around vacation periods. Simultaneously, the economics and finance ministries are focusing on combating illegal employment. In Hamburg, record budget losses caused by shadow economy activity have been recorded. Customs authorities (Zoll) have intensified checks in the Heinsberg district and in Schleswig-Holstein, where 2025 brought a significant rise in detected irregularities. These actions aim not only to recover tax revenues but also to protect honest contractors from unfair competition that bypasses the Wage Loyalty Act. The Premier of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig, welcomed the new agreements on this issue, recognizing them as a foundation for fair remuneration. Amid these difficulties, positive signals are coming from the tourism sector. Brandenburg and the Lower Rhine regions have recorded steady growth in overnight stays, with particular popularity for tourism outside the strict summer season. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the labor market remains relatively resilient to economic turbulence, which local authorities intend to leverage for a planned educational offensive. However, the opposition in North Rhine-Westphalia criticizes the local public procurement regulations, calling them a "toothless tiger," indicating deep political divisions in assessing the effectiveness of the fight against wage dumping.The German federal system means that education policy falls under the jurisdiction of individual states, leading to significant differences in teaching standards and methods of combating absenteeism between the north and south of the country.

Mentioned People

  • João Duarte — Lead author of the study from the University of Lisbon, specializing in marine geology.