Germany experienced a significant increase in naturalizations for the fifth consecutive year, while the automotive industry showed a slightly less pessimistic outlook. In national news, Germany's bid for a temporary seat on the UN Security Council was unsuccessful. Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder was reportedly seen in Russia, a visit met with mixed reactions. Separately, Munich prosecutors are investigating a 15-year-old for allegedly planning an attack and sympathizing with ISIS, having stockpiled pyrotechnics. The European Commission urged Germany to accelerate digital reforms and reduce bureaucracy due to mounting economic pressures. A Bavarian hotel issued an apology after a discriminatory message was sent to an Israeli customer, which was attributed to a system error amidst fraud concerns. Meanwhile, a head of a major chemical industry hub suggested reconsidering sanctions against Russia due to the "irreparable damage" to the German chemical sector. Lastly, authorities in Wilhelmshaven seized over eight tons of cocaine, valued at approximately €500 million, in a February shipment from West Africa.