Podcasts NewsDW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

We break down how events like Russia's war in Ukraine and European security shifts are shaping Germany - and the world. Whether you’re a student, journalist, or...

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Is Donald Trump strengthening European ties?
Donald Trump is reshaping America’s ties with its allies. Will his policies push EU states to unite? Why should anyone who cares about democracy be paying close attention to the relationship between Germany and France? And why is Germany tightening its US travel advice? DW’s Nina Haase explores these questions with Max Hofmann (DW) and Jacob Ross (DGAP) in this episode of Berlin Briefing.
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40:55
Can Friedrich Merz really save Europe?
Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz is already hailed as the man who could forge what the EU needs most: unity. So far he has seen a lot of advance praise, but how will his ambition to turn Germany from a “hesitant” to a “leading middle power” really be felt in Europe?
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28:38
What's behind Germany's historic rearmament plan?
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, has stirred up political waters with his bold "whatever it takes" stance. In a massive shift, Merz and the Social Democrats have jointly announced a plan to rearm Germany and heavily invest in infrastructure. In this episode, we break it all down with expert insights from Ralph Bollmann, journalist (FAS), and Benjamin Hilgenstock from the DGAP.
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31:43
Next steps in Berlin’s military buildup
Germany’s incoming leaders are planning to dramatically ramp up military spending after signs the Trump administration could definitively pivot away from European defense. DW breaks down the next steps for likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz: Procuring drones, satellites and more high-tech gear. Recruiting tens of thousands of troops. And trying to work out a European nuclear deterrent.
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44:57
Election countdown: What’s at stake for Germany?
Who will lead Germany next? In this episode of Berlin Briefing, we break down the key players in Germany’s upcoming elections, the ripple effects of JD Vance’s game-changing MSC 2025 speech and its impact on Europe’s security, and why smaller parties could complicate the formation of the next coalition. Plus, we reveal what the latest polls are saying and share final predictions.
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33:09

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About DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

We break down how events like Russia's war in Ukraine and European security shifts are shaping Germany - and the world. Whether you’re a student, journalist, or policymaker, hosts Nina Haase, Michaela Küfner, and Richard Walker deliver the insights you need to understand where Germany is headed and why it matters, with a hint of Berlin's distinct energy. Published every Friday. Find us also on YouTube: @dwnews. Subscribe to our newsletter: dw.com/berlinbriefing. Leave us a comment here: [email protected]. Or find us on X: @dw_politics.

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