Joanna Roberts

In this discussion, Chris Lunday, a POLITICO reporter in Berlin, delves into the complexities of the upcoming German elections and the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Jan Cienski provides a deep dive into Europe’s evolving defense policies amid shifting global dynamics, particularly regarding Ukraine. Joanna Roberts highlights the tension between the EU's green goals and the need to support struggling industries. Together, they illuminate Europe's urgent quest for resilience against external pressures and internal challenges.

Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission President, tackles a chaotic back-to-school season filled with naming new commissioners while balancing politics, geography, and expertise. Barbara Moens and Joanna Roberts dive into the implications of this chaos for European policy, especially in light of a rightward shift in elections. They also cover the significant rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany and its possible effect on governance. The discussion pokes into smartphone bans in schools aimed at combatting screen addiction and cyberbullying, highlighting their importance for children's mental health.

The policy editors at POLITICO highlight the most important EU stories of 2023, including the AI Act, pharmaceutical regulations, and defense capabilities. Opinion editor Jamie Dettmer discusses Europe's response to the Israel-Hamas war and the war in Ukraine. They also reveal their most-read story of the year and discuss the EU's stance on Ukraine's future in the bloc.