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Posts by : Bettina Vestring

Bettina Vestring
Author / 67 Posts
is a freelance journalist based in Berlin. She writes on foreign and security policy and EU affairs.
The Flaws of the Merkel Method

Eye on Europe

The German chancellor has great tactical skills. But that’s not enough anymore to fend off populism and move Europe forward.

Faced with Trump, Merkel Turns to Europe

Eye on Europe

US President Donald Trump has no time for the EU or Angela Merkel. That’s one reason she’s finally talking about EU reform.

Waiting for Merkel

Eye on Europe

Italy’s new populist government is adding to Emmanuel Macron’s sense of urgency about EU and eurozone reform. Yet Angela Merkel is keeping her cards close to her chest.

The Price of Europe

Eye on Europe

Who will pay more? Who will receive less? The battle over the EU’s next budget will be brutal.

Paper Army

Berlin Policy Journal May/June 2018

Berlin wants to move toward a more integrated European defense policy. Given the sorry state of the Bundeswehr, this sounds hollow.

Mr. Franco-German

Berlin Observer

With his Saarland background Germany’s new foreign minister Heiko Maas will bring a much-needed Franco-German instinct to the table.

Go GroKo

Berlin Observer

With Germany’s new government finally in sight, Europe breathes a sigh of relief. It may prove a short respite.

Close-Up: Olaf Scholz

Berlin Policy Journal March/April 2018

The man from Hamburg is trim, self-confident, and highly ambitious—and he’s staying tight-lipped about his plans for the German finance ministry. His record as …

The Anti-Merkel

Berlin Observer

Watch out for Andrea Nahles, the SPD’s leader in the Bundestag.

Good News for Europe

Berlin Observer

Germany’s prospective government promises EU reform, setting out ambitious goals.

What a Mess!

Berlin Observer

Coalition talks in Berlin have failed, which might mean new elections.

Unrepresentative Democracy

Berlin Observer

Few East Germans hold key positions in Germany’s institutions.

Macron’s Serve

Eye on Europe

Reactions in Berlin to the French president’s proposals for EU reform have been muted – for now.

A Costly Victory

Berlin Observer

Angela Merkel won the elections, but right-wing populists are spoiling the party.

A Dangerous Claim

Eye on Europe

Polish demands for war reparations from Germany could undermine the post-1945 order.

East-West Conflict

Eye on Europe

The European Court of Justice’s ruling on relocating refugees deepens the rift within the EU.

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Out Now: May/June 2020 Issue



+++ The coronavirus crisis has brought Europe and the rest of the world to a standstill. What are the effects of the pandemic on international affairs? The future of the EU depends on how it handles the crisis, argues Daniela Schwarzer. Much is riding on the German EU presidency. David Goodhart makes the case for a retreat from hyperglobalization, and Richard Sennett foresees big changes coming to our way of life; Efi Koutsokosta profiles Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis; Noah Gordon, in his Carbon Critical column, points out that solar, like oil, has its overcapacity problems; and much more +++

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European Encounters (#EuropeCounts), supported by Stiftung Mercator (2017-18), aims at contributing toward building a European public. Europeans from different ends and spheres of the continent exchange views on topics relevant to the whole EU. It’s time to make discussions truly European.

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