The Germans remain loyal to Mrs. Merkel, and the FDP is mercilessly punished. Poison gas grenades kill hundreds in Syria, and hundreds of thousands of refugees leave their homes at the risk of their lives. Whistleblower Edward Snowden seeks asylum in Russia, and the NSA affair shakes the German-American friendship. Still no plane takes off from Willy Brandt Airport Berlin, and Mainz Central Station remains a "train-free zone" for days. The winter has Europe under control for months, and the summer floods destroy large areas of land. The new pope preaches and lives humility, and the bishop of Limburg stumbles over his pompousness. The German women's soccer team becomes European champion, and FC Bayern wins the longed-for "triple" for the first time. The British are delighted with the offspring of William and Kate, and Willem-Alexander becomes the new King of the Netherlands.