In this engaging discussion, James Angelos, POLITICO's news editor in Berlin, Jana Puglierin, Senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Nick Vinocur, POLITICO's editor-at-large, analyze the implications of Friedrich Merz's election as Germany's chancellor-in-waiting. They explore the challenges of coalition-building amid a rise in extremist parties, the shifting dynamics of transatlantic relations, and Europe's urgent need for leadership in response to geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Ukraine and energy independence.

Barbara Moens, the chief EU correspondent at POLITICO, Aitor Hernández-Morales, an Iberian politics expert, and Nick Vinocur, co-author of The Brussels Playbook, dissect the newly formed leadership trio in Brussels. They evaluate whether this team can effectively tackle challenges, especially support for Ukraine amidst changing political tides. The conversation also touches on the ongoing political crisis in France, the evolving EU dynamics, and the implications of leadership styles in navigating geopolitical issues. Expect insights full of sharp analysis!