tagesschau 20:00 Uhr, 12.08.2026

A total solar eclipse drew millions of people across Europe to coastlines and hilltops on Wednesday, while the German cabinet approved a major expansion of powers for the country's intelligence services to counter a rising threat from drones, cyberattacks, and sabotage. Separately, the government also pushed through a new state-subsidized children's pension plan and a long-delayed increase to student financial aid.

A Continent Pauses for the Eclipse

The celestial alignment of Earth, moon, and sun brought a minutes-long darkness to the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, where the moon's core shadow touched land. In Germany, viewers saw only a partial eclipse, but enthusiasm was high enough that protective glasses sold out in many places. Reports from the ground captured a carnival-like atmosphere. At the beach in La Palma, an astronomer had identified 35 ideal viewing spots across Mallorca. On the water, boat tours departed early to escape crowds and wildfire risk on land. "We want to get away from the masses and go about three miles out to sea to experience the eclipse," one traveler said. Despite the risk of late clouds, the mood was international and electric. "Everyone is swapping stories about whether they've ever seen an eclipse before," a reporter noted.

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