AKK’s Balancing Act
The first part of Angela Merkel’s phased departure from power has worked out as planned. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer’s road to the chancellery, however, will be more difficult.
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer: Merkel’s Heir Apparent
The experienced politician from one of Germany’s smallest states has often been underestimated–like Angela Merkel.
High Noon: May’s Toughest Brexit Battle Begins
British Prime Minister Theresa May is yet again fighting for her political life as she seeks to persuade the British parliament to back her Brexit deal.
Friedrich Merz: Germany’s Next Chancellor?
Friedrich Merz, out of politics for almost a decade, could become Germany’s new strong man—so who is he, and what does he want?
Brexit Plan Mayday? Maybe Not
British Prime Minister Theresa May could still get her Brexit deal through Parliament.
Merkel’s European Farewell
The German chancellor indicated to the European Parliament she will push for a shift away from decades of Atlanticist foreign policy.
A Stress Test for Italy’s Coalition
Italy’s clash with Brussels over its budget proposal is just the latest in a string of problems threatening to destabilize its shaky coalition government.
Still a Safe Pair of Hands for Europe
Angela Merkel leaving the international stage may be bad news for quick EU reform. In the long run, however, her successor will likely turn into at least as good a European.
Not Getting Away With Murder
Europe should take a principled stance in response to the brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Lost in Translation: Communities of Fate
The use of the word “Schicksalsgemeinschaft” in today’s Germany is puzzling.
Brexit Britain Heads for the Cliff Edge
The October EU summit was supposed to be the last chance for a Brexit deal—until it wasn’t.
The Reparations Debate, Reloaded
Greek leaders are resurfacing demands that Germany pay reparations for the Nazi occupation.
Bavaria Goes Green
The Greens’ success in Bavaria is a strong statement against the anti-migrant campaigns of the established conservatives and the far-right.
European Intervention Initiative: The Big Easy
The French president’s brainchild shapes up as primarily a military-to-military “strategic workshop,” not intended to become a separate intervention force.
What Merkel Needs to Do to Save Her Chancellorship
After 13 years in power, Angela Merkel’s authority is crumbling.
Toward a “New Ostpolitik“?
Rather than making overtures to the Kremlin, German foreign minister Heiko Maas pushes for more cooperation with Central Europe.
A Controversial Visit
Improving German-Turkish relations hinges on Turkey’s government reversing its slide into authoritarianism.
Angela Merkel’s Coalition Squabbles Boost AfD
After weeks of quarreling, Germany’s coalition parties are hemorrhaging support.
The Salzburg Shuffle
EU leaders had hoped to make progress on Brexit and migration, but they left the Salzburg summit with little to show for on both fronts.
+++ 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 +++
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.
BERLIN POLICY JOURNAL is a bimonthly digital magazine on European affairs, edited in Germany’s capital and published by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). It is best read via our app – on GooglePlay and the Apple AppStore – on tablets and smart phones.