Épisodes

  • 'Helping Ukraine defeat Russia is doable' - Estonia's prepared, not scared

    'Helping Ukraine defeat Russia is doable' - Estonia's prepared, not scared
    Jul 10 2025
    There are fresh doubts about whether the US President and Europe are on the same page on Ukraine. Why is Europe not using frozen Russian assets? And how worried are the Baltic states that they might become Putin’s next targets? In this episode, DW’s Nina Haase explores these questions with Estonian diplomat Jonatan Vseviov, defense expert Christian Mölling, and DW Russian's Roman Goncharenko.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    38 min
  • Why is Poland introducing controls on its border with Germany?

    Why is Poland introducing controls on its border with Germany?
    Jul 3 2025
    Poland will impose temporary border checks with Germany in response to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's tougher migration stance, which has led Germany to conduct regular border checks. Germany is now countering criticism from neighboring countries. Journalist David McQuaid joins DW’s political team to discuss the political tensions, motivations, risks, and implications for European unity.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    35 min
  • What Trump’s power over Europe really means

    What Trump’s power over Europe really means
    Jun 26 2025
    In a historic week for Europe, the NATO alliance agreed to a major defense spending boost - raising the goal to 5% of GDP. Meanwhile, Secretary General Rutte called Trump ‘Daddy.’ In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW’s team breaks down NATO’s summit in The Hague, explores Trump’s influence over Europe, and examines how European leaders’ attitudes shifted during his first and second terms.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    43 min
  • Bolton: Iran could become Trump's next TACO moment

    Bolton: Iran could become Trump's next TACO moment
    Jun 19 2025
    US President Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton checked in with Berlin Briefing's hosts. Bolton explained why he doesn't believe Trump will send the bunker-busting bomb to Iran. Pushed for a character assessment, Bolton questioned whether Trump had even made up his mind on what he will do next – on Iran and NATO.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    29 min
  • How ready are Germans to defend Europe?

    How ready are Germans to defend Europe?
    Jun 13 2025
    Half of Germans back Chancellor Merz's pledge to spend 5% of GDP on defense. And the other half?! And how comfortable are Germany's European partners with the new German leadership style that includes sweeping commitments to arm up? DW's top correspondents Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase in Berlin and Alexandra von Nahmen at NATO HQ in Brussels analyze what Merz' pledges will mean in real terms.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    39 min
  • Why Germans are relieved after Merz’s Oval Office debut

    Why Germans are relieved after Merz’s Oval Office debut
    Jun 6 2025
    Friedrich Merz was bracing for a bust-up on his first visit to the Oval Office since becoming German chancellor. But the first Merz-Trump meeting turned out to be harmonious. Why? In this edition of Berlin Briefing, Michaela Küfner in Washington and Nina Haase and Richard Walker in Berlin look for answers. And ask whether a first good meeting counts for much in this unpredictable new era.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    47 min
  • Why is Germany toughening its tone on Israel now?

    Why is Germany toughening its tone on Israel now?
    May 30 2025
    When Germany's Chancellor speaks out on international law violations by Israel, it signals a shift. We explore Germany’s evolving stance on Israel, and how Staatsräson shapes the line between political criticism and accusations of antisemitism. Plus, what Merz’s backing of Ukraine’s missile program says about his global ambitions — and how he aims to engage Trump on Europe.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    40 min
  • Stuck between Trump and Putin: Can Merz lead?

    Stuck between Trump and Putin: Can Merz lead?
    May 22 2025
    How did Germany’s newly elected chancellor debut as a peacemaker in Europe after his visit to Kyiv alongside fellow European leaders? Can he lead while caught between the U.S. and Russian presidents? DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner discusses Merz’s first steps as Germany’s new chancellor on the European stage with Andreas Rinke from Reuters and Aylin Matlé from DGAP.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    34 min