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Changing Landscape of Germany

 

In light of the recent decision of many of the German states to form the new state of Saxony, Northlandic soldiers in these states would be moved back into the continental Northlands, with the exception of a small amount of men who would be redeployed to Mecklenburg and Schleswig-Holstein. 

 

Mecklenburg was now officially integrated into the Northlands. The border with Prussia would continue to be monitored until further relations could be established with the state. The naval and military base on Rugen continued construction, with many of the simpler facilities operational. The naval and air defenses surrounding the island at this point were online and active. 

 

Soldiers moving into Schleswig-Holstein would not encounter any of the resistance found in Mecklenburg when they had first arrived. The memory of the Alvonian occupation of Lubeck was fresh in these peoples minds and they were eager to welcome the men and women with open arms. Government offices and agencies would begin operating in the region, with plans for gradual integration of the state into the Northlands. 

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Northern Germany Integration Continues

 

As services in Schleswig-Holstein continued to be integrated with the Northlands, one of the largest focuses was on the implementation of the Kiel Canal Zone. Due to recent negotiations with Sweden, the canal and 2 kilometers on either side of its length were to become a jointly administered zone between the Northlands and Sverige. While large urban areas were exempted, some people lived in the rural stretches close to the canal, and would have to be resettled. The Northlands would compensate these people well to help quell dissatisfaction and ensure progress went unimpeded. 

 

Northlands construction crews would being the process of building headquarters, barracks, and other accommodations for the forces that would be overseeing the canal. Additionally, due its importance in trade, funding would be earmarked for repairs and general maintenance of the canal. Sverige would be invited to assist with this process as the Kiel Canal Zone was fast becoming a reality.

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Schleswig-Holstein Capital Proclaimed

 

The city of Lubeck has been declared the provincial capital of Schleswig-Holstein. Construction of buildings and government agencies in the capital have been ordered along with the building of a Governor's House for the city. Security officials are assembling a list of possible sites for naval and military bases, and an extensive list of defenses such as anti-air and anti-ship measures are to be built due to the importance and location of the state.

 

Northlandic Pacific Holdings Restructuring

 

The Northlands has permitted the state-operated Globale Handelsgesellschaft Nordlande to operate services for Fiji, Nauru, Vanuatu, Gaudalcanal, and the Pitcairn Islands. These islands are currently under the nominal oversight of the Northlands, although the GHN is expected to allow for more direct oversight. Permanent administrative posts will be constructed on the main populated islands, with Suva selected as the corporation headquarters. The GHN is responsible for facilitating trade between these islands and the Northlands proper. It has been contracted to provide goods and services to the lesser populated islands in the region.

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Response to the Antarctic Federation

 

Mr. Borg would be accepted as the diplomat for the Antarctic Federation. We invite your nation to select a house on Embassy Row in our capital of Noordenwind, and you are welcome to make any modifications you deem necessary. 

 

Sir Harold Wismayer has been promoted to Royal Ambassador to the Antarctic Federation and will be dispatched to the Antarctic Federation to present his credentials and begin overseeing the Northlands Embassy. 

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Border Restrictions Lifted with Sverige

 

In light of recent negotiations with Sverige, the borders between Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark on the Jutland are to be opened considerably. Previously, the state had taken a security first approach in line with the rest of the Free German protectorate. In light of strong cooperation between the Northlands and Sweden, particularly with the Kiel Canal, these border restrictions were deemed an unnecessary relic of the past and a hindrance to further cooperation. Sverige citizens will be permitted entry into Schleswig-Holstein without a visa. 

 

Services Improves in Pacific

 

In line with increased oversight, government services in the Pacific are to be brought in line with other Northlands territories. Money has been earmarked for improvements in infrastructure including hospitals and schools for the islands. This would be particularly noticeable in Fiji and Vanuatu where the majority of the population was centered. Plans are being made to service far reaching isolated islands including the Pitcairns. 

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Schleswig-Holstein Government Consolidated

 

The Northlands officially assumed control over the remaining departments and offices for the administration of the German state. As the region continued its integration into the nation, the government would be filled with Northlandic bureaucrats and those from the area that are employed by the national government. The Northlandic flag was officially raised across the state and in the government building in Lubeck, signifying the symbolic incorporation of Schleswig-Holstein into the Northlands.

 

Ferry Services Established

 

The Northlands and GHN have announced the creation of a ferrying service between the different island chains of the Northlands Pacific. Both air and water services are to be offered. Boats will be used for cargo as well as customers between the more populated, closer islands in Fiji and Vanuatu. GHN will be operating flights through Royal North Air for quicker transportation. For the Pitcairn Islands, monthly cargo ship service would be authorized as well as the construction of a small airport on the main island for more convenient travel.

Edited by Californian
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Celebrations in Northern Germany

 

News of the signed treaty with Sverige was met with widespread enthusiasm throughout the Northlands and state of Schleswig-Holstein. The neighbors to the north had always been cordial, if not somewhat reserved, but the recent announcement of friendly relations and open borders was hoped to bring further trade into the Northlandic Jutland. The implementation of the Kiel Canal Zone continues, and a division from the Royal Engineering Corps have been dispatched to oversee this as well as various other public works projects in the area. A major overhaul of the medical and educational services and infrastructure in the German land. 

 

Additionally, the border with neighboring Mecklenburg has been all but removed. Engineers and government officials are discussing the possibility of a high speed railway system in these states and are preparing preliminary plans to submit for funding assistance from the central government. 

 

Security Office to Operate in Pacific

 

The Office of Security has noted its intention to construct naval bases on islands in Fiji and Vanuatu. Additionally, a naval air station is to be built on Guadalcanal. These projects are expected to decrease the currently high unemployment on these islands with jobs in construction, as well as administration and services once they are made active installations. The Office was quick to note that the Pacific has remained a bastion of peace and there are no intentions to heavily militarize the region, and this announcement is simply to ensure that defenses are in place for patrolling and security purposes. The Office has ordered anti-air and anti-sea/sub defenses to be constructed at military installations and islands that serve as main population centers. A small detachment of Island Security forces will be stationed in Nauru and the Pitcairn islands.

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Schleswig-Holstein Now Northlands

 

Today marks the day of official transfer of all responsibility from the protectorate government to the provincial government within the Northlands state. Schleswig-Holstein is now an integral part of the continental Northlands. This news with reports of favorable talks with neighboring Saxony have left a general sentiment of enthusiasm and optimism among the general population. King William IV is preparing to visit the newest province to provide a royal welcome. 

 

Pacific Infrastructure Improving

 

The influx of aid and engineers to the islands territory has led to a complete overhaul of the infrastructure there. Modern medical facilities are being constructed in Suva with regional centers scattered elsewhere. New utilities for electricity, internet, and clean drinking water are expected to soon cover the vast majority of islanders, in line with Northlandic standards. Additionally, ground has broken for a new university christened the Pacific Institute for Higher Learning which will train islanders and provide a more educated workforce for the islands. 

Edited by Californian
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Northlands in the Pacific

 

Progress would continue on the islands, uninterrupted by the tensions in the Europe. It was decided that Nauru, Vanuatu, Guadalcanal, and Fiji would be admitted as a full-fledged province of the Northlands called the Pacific Realm. A governor-general would be appointed to assume administration of the province, although the GHN would exert primary control of trade and travel to and from the islands. The Pitcairn Islands, geographically further away and sparsely populated, would become a separate dependent territory of the nation. 

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Islands Officially Annexed

 

The Pacific Realm has become the newest province of the Northlands, consisting of Nauru, Vanuatu, Guadalcanal, and Fiji. Additionally, the Pitcairn Islands are officially a dependent territory. Today marked the official incorporation of these regions, and celebrations rocked the streets of these islands with thousands of flags jubilantly being waved. King William has announced a visit to the islands in recognition of the Realm and has promised to work closely with fellow nations in the Pacific to ensure continued peace in the region. 

 

Iceland & Jan Mayen 

 

A small number of soldiers and scientists would be transported to Jan Mayen. Their mission was to catalog the Icelandic presence on the island so that the national government could determine the best course of action to take. They would arrive at the facilities of the former Iceland and begin to process the equipment and infrastructure.

 

Iceland was a different story. With much of the island still reeling from nuclear destruction, the Northlands would increase the amount of aid being provided to the people and land affected. Icelandic citizens would be offered the option of relocation, especially to the Faroe Islands, if they wished. The Northlands would begin the process of assuming administrative responsibilities for the island, although the main focus would continue to be disaster cleanup for the foreseeable future.

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Iceland & Jan Mayen Adventures

 

The men on Jan Mayen were astonished to see the extent of the infrastructure which had been constructed on the small island. A series of underground bunkers had been left fully intact, complete with a geothermal plant which could supply power to the base and harbor. Engineers would be flown in to begin necessary repairs to resume operation of the plant. Likewise the soldiers would begin testing of the radar and anti-air defenses which were in place.

 

Iceland proper was a completely different story and was still reeling from the nuclear apocalypse which had rained destruction. The previous government had done commendable work securing the dead and beginning the process of biological and land decontamination. Although talk of construction of Neu-Reykjavik were being discussed, workers in protective clothing would continue to work around the clock. 

 

Hospitals had been constructed in the two areas which were cleared by the Northlands for residence, the Northwest and Southern Zones. Doctors and nurses would be flown in from the mainland to assist with treatment of the sick and monitoring of the workers. The contaminated Middle Zone was off limits and checkpoints were setup to ensure that no trespassing occurred.

 

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The Divorce of Iceland and Jan Mayen

 

On Jan Mayen Island, the geothermal plant has been brought online and is currently providing an adequate level of energy to supply the island. The maintenance on the radars continues as the small detachment of soldiers gets acclimated to living on the island. 

 

Northlandic peacekeepers would begin the process of withdrawing from Iceland as the Saxon forces assumed control. The vast majority of the Northlands' administrative and military personnel would return to the continent and shifted to different areas in the Offices for Security, Foreign Affairs, and Protectorate Affairs. The marriage of Iceland and Jan Mayen, which had only recently occurred under the rule of the previous Icelandic administration, would be no more. 

 

Bouvet Island Detour

 

Life in the South Atlantic Territory continued in its quiet but pleasant way. A break in this monotony would bring some intrigue to the small island defense forces stationed in the Tristan da Cunha archipelago. Several vessels would sail from there to Bouvet Island, currently unclaimed and desolate. Plans would be put into action to begin the construction of a small military installation including a floating harbor, insulated barracks, and radar in addition to a weather station. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Humanitarian Mission to Grunreich

 

The recent collapse in Grunreich with no prior warning had given way to a humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands of civilians, the majority from Germany, were stranded on one of the most isolated and barren islands in the world with no government to speak of. 

 

The North Fleet, from its bases on Iceland and the Faroes, would be dispatched to provide immediate aid to the affected peoples. Preparations are underway to evacuate those that wish to return to Europe. Any former members of the Grunreich that wish to remain in Greenland are free to do so, although surveys indicate many have a desire to return to their ancestral lands. 

 

The civilians would be brought back to ports on the continental Northlands, due to the current restrictions in place for settlement in Iceland. There they would be free to return to Germany, or allowed to receive citizenship and settle in the Northlands if they so chose. Many would lament the fall of the Great Grunreich. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Emergency Session of the People's Council Called

 

The deteriorating situation in the Balkans and the potential implications for the rest of Europe resulted in the convening of the council during the weekend. Members spent hours discussing matters ranging from foreign relations to financial appropriations. Several pieces of legislation were passed and have been forward for review by the High Council and King.

 

Included in the discussions were calls on reviewing the current treaty with Romania. The Council voted to privately urge the King and the Foreign Affairs Office to terminate the treaty with Romania, noting that the treaty had been put in place mainly to thwart aggressive warmongering in Europe. The Office for Foreign Affairs has been working tirelessly to review the treaty as well as monitor the evolving situation on the continent. 

 

Increased Presence in Germany

 

With the collapse of Hanover, the people of the East Free German Protectorate had increasingly grown weary of their current status. Local governments in the region have called for a series of discussions with the Office for Protectorate Affairs and the Northlandic government to reassess the current state of affairs in the area. In the meantime, the Northlands has reiterated its commitment to the people of East Germany and has committed additional peacekeepers to the area. 

 

The Northlandic presence in Berlin would be particularly noticeable. Already the center for administration of the protectorate, the headquarters for the Office of Protectorate Affairs would have a heightened level of activity with the ongoing talks with the German local governments. Peacekeepers in the state were tasked primarily with the protection of government buildings.

 

Peacekeepers sent to Saxony would be used to reinforce bases and positions in the state. Unlike in recent history, their purpose would not be to reinforce the border with Alvonia. The Saxon people were some of the more pro-Northlandic people due to their position bordering Alvonia and Prussia. 

 

The remaining regions of East Germany would likewise see an increased Northlandic presence. With tensions rising all over Europe and several neighboring states having ties that could involve them in hostilities, the enhanced security of Germany was seen as a precaution to dissuade spillover of violence. 

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Nordic Shield Officially Ratified

 

Today the Nordic Shield alliance with Landfall, Sverige, and Russia was officially signed by King William after passing through the legislature with high levels of support. "These nations have been staunch allies of the Northlands for years," an unnamed official from the Office for Foreign Affairs was quoted as saying. "This treaty streamlines the communication and cooperation of our partners in the region and will demonstrate a united front in northern Europe. This is particularly necessary with the deep fractures that exist throughout the continent as can be seen by the current spate of hostilities." 

 

Analysts appeared divided on whether the agreement would have any discernible affect of the Northlands' position in the recent war, noting that Sverige and Russia were already mutual defense partners. "The Northlands is caught in the middle, this treaty doesn't change that," a member for one Dutch think tank states. He noted that the Northlands has already publicly declared its intentions to aid unprovoked attacks on the homeland of current allies including Nordic Shield members and Carthage. 

 

Border Restrictions Put in Place

 

The Northlands has announced its intentions to close its territorial waters and airspace to non-allied military traffic. Around the clock patrols have been put in place with orders to shoot down any planes or vessels that infringe upon the sovereignty of the Northlands. 

 

Special attention has been placed on Gibraltar, Baleares, and Malta which are close to the region of current hostilities. Checkpoints have been established to search all commercial shipping and travel advisories have been put in place. The local defense forces are on high alert with regular drills being performed. Additionally, there is a heightened sense of alert in Madeira, Azores, Faroes, and Iceland.

 

All civilians are reminded to keep their government issued masks, tablets, and disaster kits in an easily accessible location, and municipalities across the nation are to conduct shelter drills for a worst-case scenario. 

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East Germany Policy

 

The noticeable increase in diplomatic and administrative traffic in Berlin would continue. The level of communication between Noordenwind and Berlin would rise as the Northlands exerted a stronger influence in the region. In keeping with its past, Berlin remained the focal point from which administration of the protectorate was operated. Several members of the People's Council would be visiting to discuss with local and regional leaders about the plans for the area.

 

A much stronger police presence would be noted in Saxony. Northlandic military police would be training and working with local area police forces as the situation became more heated just across the border. The orders for more restrictive access at the borders included protectorates, and more men would be seen at the border, turning back non-citizens without proper identification . 

 

In Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, large cities would already have hosted a mock weapon of mass destruction shelter drill. Erfurt, Jena, Halle, Magdeburg, and Potsdam would host the largest drills, where air raid sirens would alert citizens. Civilians were instructed to gather their disaster kits and head to the nearest fallout shelter, or take refuge in a house or building if that was not possible, and await further instructions from the police and military. The drills would be heralded as a success.

Edited by Californian
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  • 1 month later...

Ascendance of the Northlands

 

Citizens of the Northlands would wake up like normal, oblivious to the fact they were now in another universe. They wouldn't realize this of course, and business would continue as usual. Had they, they might have noticed that Malta was now independent of the Northlands. Or had never been part of it in the first place!

 

Waking from its slumber, the Northlands would confirm its independence to the rest of world. 

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The normally insular government of Northland's sudden 'awakening' was something of a surprise to Malta. Yet, even if the typically isolationist bunch were acting out of character, their past actions weren't those that led the Maltese government to be suspicious of them. With this in mind, King Gregory sends a message inviting Northlands to the ongoing League of Nations conference on Malta. 

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  • 5 weeks later...

BREAKING NEWS: HEIR APPARENT RESCUED

 

The government has just confirmed that William Haber-Bosch, heir to the Northlandic throne, has been rescued in dramatic fashion from a warehouse outside of Berlin, Germany. William had been taken hostage months ago along with several other high ranking government officials, although there has been a complete media blackout on the ongoing incident. Lord Protector Dante Quaeckernaeck provided more information at a press conference.

 

Noordenwind

 

"Citizens of the Northlands, people of the world, I am incredibly grateful to report the safe return of heir to the throne William Haber-Bosch along with 14 other officials, all of whom have spent several months as captives. Due to the sensitive and highly volatile nature of the situation we had been unable to communicate any details about the situation, however I hope to present a clear and concise timeline of the events that took place since the most recent Great War.

 

Towards the conclusion of the War, with the defeat of Romania and her allies imminent, the Northlands government was infiltrated and key members taken hostage in a desperate attempt to thwart the imminent victory of our coalition. It was then that King William IV was assassinated during the operation, due in part to several Romanian sympathizers in the government. Although this effort was in vain and obviously proved unsuccessful, his son and the others remained in the custody by remnants of the defeated and were being held in an undisclosed location.

 

The past several months we have dedicated significant resources to discovering this location as well as attempting to negotiate the release of these individuals. The location of the warehouse was discovered just as intelligence suggested the hostage takers were preparing to harm the captives. I made the executive decision to launch a special operations operation on this warehouse to retrieve the hostages and bring the criminals to justice.

 

The special force teams, in cooperation with state intelligence and local police, successfully carried out the operation and were able to rescue almost everyone, including William and Rontgen. Former Royal Officer for Foreign Affairs Alexandre Lemaitre was killed shielding the other captives during the operation and was the only casualty involved, besides more than 20 Romanian terrorists who were killed and injured in the attack.

 

The government is making the necessary preparations for Prince William to assume the throne and I am prepared to step down as regent of the Northlands at that time. However, I ask for the nation to join me in mourning for the next five days to honor the memory of the late King William IV and Lord Alexandre Lemaitre. May their contribution to the Northlands and world never be forgotten."

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Rhine-Westphalia

 

Cologne has been selected as the headquarters for the powerful Kredianstalt Fur Wiederaufbau (KfW, Reconstruction Credit Institute). Incorporated by the Northlands decades ago during administration of the Free German Protectorate Zone, the KfW is responsible for distribution of economic aid from the Northlands, particularly towards public works projects to establish and upgrade infrastructure and transportion as well as measures to promote trade, industry, entrepreneurship, and business. Additionally, the KfW works with the Royal Central Bank of the Northlands to set monetary policy in east Germany, currently established as a protectorate. 

 

The Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland

 
Integration of these states into the Northlands will expand the border with France as well as establish a border between the Northlandic and Alvonian states. Measures have been ordered to bring the border controls in this territory in line with established standards as per agreements with France and Alvonia. There would be an enhanced border guard presence due to the current unrest in German France, although as of yet this has not spread to Germany proper. 

 

Lower Saxony

 

Northlands officials have begun integrating this state, seen as a vital link between the continental Northlands and the German provinces in Schleswig, Holstein, and Mecklenburg. The Wilhelmshaven region has been deemed a highly suitable port location and preparations are being made to refurbish the naval base for use with the North Sea Fleet. Royal Engineers have been tasked with upgrading the transportation infrastructure, particularly roads, rail, and airports, to allow for transit to the German Northlands.

 

Bremen and Hamburg

 

Both city-states have voted for admission into the Northlands as individual provinces which mirror their current land borders. Engineers working in Lower Saxony are also being tasked with assessing the ports in Bremerhaven and Hamburg and the KfW will be allocating funds to improve the technology and business industries for these regions.

 

Andalusia

 

The fueros charter has been approved by the Andalucian Parliament, which will be allowed some legislative autonomy as agreed upon. With this, Northlands officials have begun the process of integrating the region into the Northlands proper. Discussions have been started between Gibraltar and Andalucia officials for closer relations and the creation of a greater Gibraltar-Algeciras economic development zone.Military officials have also begun drawing up a list of locations suitable for military installations. 

 

Valencia and Murcia

 

Similar measures are underway in Valencia and Murcia. There would be heavy traffic between these regions and the Baleares, the Northlands' heart of economic and military activity in the Mediterranean. Measures are underway to approve both Spanish and Catalan as official languages in the region alongside Nordlandic.

 

[1/7: Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Lower Saxony, Hamburg Bremen, Andalusia, Valencia, Murcia]

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(CNRP2)

 

The Northlands has collapsed. 

 

(CNRPA)

 

Northlands in Germany

 

Many have begun to question how the German states are to be integrated into the Northlands centralized government structure. The Rhine-Westphalia alone is comparable in size to the ceremonial countries of Belgium and the Netherlands and has a population approximately 2/3rds of the entire continental Northlands. William V has promised to address this issue in his upcoming coronation ceremony. 

 

Royal Engineers have completed preliminary reports of roads, rail, and other infrastructure to be given priority funding throughout western Germany. The Germans have proven to be able administrators and there is widespread hope that large scale public works projects will be sustainable, profitable investments throughout the region.

 

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the Ruhr Valley is to be designated a Technology & Industry Corridor, with several favorable tax policies put in place to encourage continued investment and entrepreneurship in the region. Many of Germany's largest companies are located here, and the Northlands is eager to continue this. The government, in cooperation with the North Rhine-Westphalia, is creating a Royal Rhine Organization is oversee navigation and maritime regulations of the Northlandic parts of the Rhine. Strong efforts are being organized by authorities in Rotterdam and the North Rhine to increase the amount of trade on the river. 

 

Lower Saxony has been a major center of military activity for the Northlands, with several military bases to be located in the state, along with the large naval installation in Wilhelmshaven. This is expected to provide a large number of jobs in the construction and services sectors as these are completed, with permanent support staff to assist in the local economy. 

 

Bremen and Hamburg, largely following the efforts of the North Rhine and Lower Saxony, currently have their ports under construction to increase their capacity and relevance with the large amount of ship traffic between the Northlands provinces. This will be used to supplement the services heavy economy of these city-states. 

 

The highest level of support for integration continued to be in the Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate, due to the growing tensions in Germanic France and the seemingly random nature of Alvonia's foreign policy at times. There would however not be a large buildup in troops in these regions and efforts were put in place to establish local police and border guard forces. The largest industries in the state are winemaking and chemical and pharmaceutical production, all of which are to be integrated into the Northlandic trade network. The state's location make it particularly able to become a leader in exports for the nation. 

 

Northlands in Spain

 

In Andalusia, Northlands soldiers noticed the construction of a multinational military base by Tarifa, prompting the involvement of local and central government officials to open up communications channels with these nations. The Northlands would help demarcate a parcel of land to include Tarifa and several surrounding kilometers of land for this base, with the hope of close cooperation with these other Mediterranean nations to promote peace and trade. 

 

In Murcia and Valencia, assurances have been given to maintain the respective cultures for these areas. One of the few changes to be introduced would be the status of Nordlandic as an official language alongside Spanish and Catalan. Those hoping to pursue a career in the central government would have the opportunity to learn Nordlandic in schools and community programs. 

Edited by Californian
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Coronation Day, all Hail King William! 

(ooc: If you have friendly or neutral relations with the Northlands, feel free to RP yourself as having attended)

 

Today marked a day of euphoria and optimism throughout the Northlandic Realm. Earlier in the morning, Dante Quaeckernaeck officially stepped down as acting regent and Lord Protector of the Northlands, formally beginning the head of state transition. William V was crowned King of the Northlands by the Head Cardinal of the Northlandic Catholic Church in the Capital Cathedral in Noordenwind. The church was a who's who of Northlandic government and royalty, along with many influential figures from around the world. An official holiday was proclaimed throughout the provinces, territories, and protectorates, and hundreds of thousands of citizens flooded the streets in celebration. 

 

In his speech, King William V promised to lead the nation to a new level of success and prosperity by continuing to promote strong economic and diplomatic ties with allies and the other nations of the world. When discussing the armed forces, he made a personal note of thanking his rescuers and highlighting the bravery of the other captives, including the late Lemaitre. He also outlined planned changed to increase and augment the current military capabilities of the nation to support itself and its allies.

 

Perhaps most awaited was more details on the recent annexation of parts of Germany and Spain. In a highly unexpected move King William V announced a complete overhaul of the structure of the government and state, noting that a larger population and geographical realities necessitated change. In the coming weeks, the nation will be reorganized into the Kingdoms of the Northlands, Germany, and Spain, which will be centrally ruled and continue to be known as the Northlands.

 

The Council of the People will be increased to 500 representatives, with 200 each from the K. Northlands and Germany and 100 from the K. Spain. The High Council will continue to be composed of 20 members appointed directly by the King. Upon stepping down, Dante Quaeckernaeck was made a member of the High Council by King William for his "extraordinary services to the state of the Northlands."

 

Germany

 

Elections are to held in one month's time for the election of Germany's 200 representatives to the council. Ten of these seats would be elected by general vote and twenty would be selected by the provincial governments with an emphasis made to represent minorities and disadvantaged groups. The remaining seats would be accorded to the provinces based on population, to be decided in a general election. The former German states are to be divided into the following provinces:

 

Saarland will become the Saarland province with a population of 1,018,000. The capital will be Saarbrucken. 

 

Bremen will become the Bremen province with a population of 661,000. The capital will be Bremen.

 

Hamburg will become the Hamburg province with a population of 1,751,775. The capital will be Hamburg.

 

Lower Saxony will become the Hanover province with a population of 1,119,526 and capital in Hanover, Brunswick province with a population of 894,814 and capital in Braunschweig, Schaumburg-Lippe province with a population of 3,911,566 and capital in Bückeburgand Oldenburg province with a population of 1,864,653 and capital in Oldenburg. 

 

North Rhine-Westphalia will become the Rhineland province with a population of 9,229,314 and capital in Bonn, Westphalia province with a population of 6,131,941 and capital in Munster and Lippe province with a population of 2,070,000 and capital in Detmold.

 

Rhineland-Palatinate will become the Koblenz province with a population of 1,524,695 and capital in Koblenz, Rhineland-Trier province with a population of 512,990 and capital in Trier, and Rhenish Palatinate province, with a population of 2,011,381 and capital in Neustadt an der Haardt.

 

Spain

 

The K. Spain's delegates will be allocated to each of the four regions based on population and selected via general election.

 

Valencia's port, one of the largest in the western Mediterranean, would undergo a modernization project in line with those occurring in Germany to upgrade the port's facilities and expand its cargo capacity as well as usage for military purposes. Beyond better integration with the other Spanish regions, the port would allow for greater trade with the rest of the Northlands especially in the strong Valencian industries of car manufacturing, marble, citrus fruits, and other agricultural products.

 

Murcia would likewise see upgrades in its rail and road networks to act as a crucial link between the larger Andalusian and Valencian regions. Its main industries include fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other agricultural goods.

 

Due to its population, size, and geographic importance, Andalusia would remain at the forefront of integration into the Northlands. Main industries include olives, other agricultural goods, aerospace, iron and other metals, and tourism, which are to be linked to the rest of the Northlandic economy. 

 

 

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K. Germany

 

Integration efforts continue to be underway in Germany. Bremen and Hamburg have unveiled plans to become leading technology and service hubs for northern Germany, taking advantage of their high speed internet and railway networks to quickly communicate goods and ideas.

 

Refurbishment of RNB Wilhelmshaven continues in Lower Saxony, and is slated to house the North Fleet, with auxiliary bases on the Faroe Islands and elsewhere on the continental coast. A large amount of investment to the region has come from companies and government agencies in the Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg provinces eager to more closely integrate with the rest of the Northlands.

 

The Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland would see a disproportionate number of refugees from Vorpommern looking to resettle in these areas. Both governments had offered additional resources on top of the compensation offered by the Nordisk Rike to lure in these Germans in hopes of increasing the population and associated economic output in the major cities of the region. Additionally, many of the Vorpommern citizens had worked in agriculture and would find themselves at home in the region's lush valleys and rural heartlands.

 

The North Rhine-Westphalia region continues to lead all others in terms of investment and integration by the Northlands. Bonn has been selected as the capital of the new K. Germany, and new buildings and modernization of the old are underway for the city to serve as the center of Northlandic Germany.

 

 

K. Spain

 

Construction has begun on a major expansion of the naval base in Gibraltar, to be renamed RNB Gibraltar-Algeciras. Located in the Bay of Gibraltar, the base is the home to a substantial number of ships in the Mediterranean Fleet, as well as the taskforce of smaller ships responsible for security in the Strait. The number of piers, drydrocks, support services, and airfields will be increased with the integration of surrounding areas into the space-limited facilities at Gibraltar. This construction will make RNB Gibraltar-Algeciras one of the larges naval facilities in the Northlands. 

 

Additionally, efforts are underway to located locations for potential naval and military bases in Valencia and Murcia. Old Spanish and Athenian complexes are being examined for the possibility of refurbishment to help reduce costs. Security officials are also preparing lists of defenses to be concentrated on the Spanish coast to ensure the defense of the K. Spain should it be aggressively attacked. 

Edited by Californian
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K. Germany

 

The previous Northlands-Germany border is being restructured in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. While previously people were required to stop and present identification when moving between these regions, these restrictions are all but lifted. An open border will exist between these regions, although individual provinces may introduce agricultural checks if desired. 

 

At the same time, border controls in the Saarland and Rhineland-Palatine continued to be scaled back in line with economic agreements with both France and Alvonia. Identification would still be required to enter the Northlands, where applicable, but other restrictions would be scaled back to accommodate the large volume of trade that existed between the three countries.

 

The Konigreich Deutschland has also announced the reformation of the Bundesliga. Hamburg and Bremen have already agreed to participate, with many of the larger provinces submitting their applications as well. Cultural councils have supported this measure in effort to increase the sports playing and activeness of Northlandic citizens, in addition to the additional revenue that large football venues bring. 

 

K. Spain

 

King William has noted his intention to visit Seville in three weeks time to commemorate the consolidation of the Kingdom of Spain and its integration into the Northlands. Preparations are underway for his visit, with security expected to be high and turnout high among the general population.

 

Military installations have been identified in Murcia and Valencia for use by the Northlands in support of its Mediterranean mission. Additionally, cargo ships laden with missile and radar defenses from K. Northlands are en route to begin the arming of the south Spanish coastline. (These defenses will be explained in more detail in Military News)

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