

The Eurofile
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Hosted by Max Bergmann, director of the Stuart Center and the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, and Donatienne Ruy, director of the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy at CSIS, “The Eurofile” looks at Europe through a Washington lens. We will discuss, debate, and dissect the big issues consuming Europe with some of the leading voices from the transatlantic community. We’ll try to make sense of developments in Brussels, break down European elections, and discuss all the issues roiling transatlantic relations. So join us for “The Eurofile” every other Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 24, 2025 • 35min
100 Days of Trump 2.0: Transatlantic Tensions with Indo-Pacific Stakes feat. Janka Oertel
In this week's episode, Max and Donatienne cover Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Washington and the state of transatlantic relations as we approach the 100-day mark of the second Trump presidency. Then, they are joined by Janka Oertel, director of the Asia programme and a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), to break down how big changes in US trade policy and rising transatlantic tensions affect the EU-China trade and diplomatic relationship.

Apr 10, 2025 • 20min
Europe in a Tariff-Troubled World feat. Federico Steinberg
Following announcements from President Donald Trump of sweeping new tariffs, Max and Donatienne discuss the fallout from last week’s “Liberation Day” with economist and international trade expert, Federico Steinberg: a Visiting Fellow with the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Prince of Asturias Distinguished Visiting Professor at Georgetown University. This episode dives deeply into the impact of these tariffs and what may come next for Europe.

Mar 28, 2025 • 60min
Democratic Backsliding in Turkey, Steps Forward for EU Defense, and Decoding US-Russia-Ukraine Negotiations feat. Tom Wright
This week, Max and Donatienne discuss the state of Turkey’s democracy after the jailing of Istanbul’s mayor days before becoming presidential candidate, the latest European Council meeting and a new EU white paper for European defense. Then, our hosts turn to a conversation with Tom Wright, senior fellow at Brookings and former Senior Director for Strategic Planning at the United States National Security Council (NSC) in the Biden administration, to discuss his recent article in Foreign Affairs outlining a U.S. strategy for Russia-Ukraine negotiations.Learn more:Russian Roulette | CSIS PodcastsThe Right U.S. Strategy for Russia-Ukraine Negotiations | Foreign Affairs

Mar 13, 2025 • 37min
The EU at a Crossroads: Big Updates in Germany and the Cost of Trump Tariffs
In this week's episode, Max and Donatienne discuss the state of Germany’s post-election politics, including the future of the debt brake and upcoming coalition talks, and highlight the latest European Council meeting, European security, and Ukraine. Then, Max shares his key takeaways from a visit to Brussels before turning to a conversation with Phil Luck, director of the CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business, to discuss a looming transatlantic trade fight.Learn more:Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts

Mar 12, 2025 • 27min
European Divorce
In a special crossover episode with CSIS's The Truth of the Matter, Max Bergmann joins Andrew Schwartz to debrief his recent trip to meet with European diplomats in Brussels and Paris and discuss a possible United States divorce from our allies in Europe.Economic disputes, defense spending disagreements, and differing approaches to Russia and China have further widened the gap between the transatlantic allies. This episode dives into new developments as European leaders question the long-term reliability of U.S. commitments to NATO and regional security, as well as the impact on European allies as Washington shifts its strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific.

Feb 28, 2025 • 50min
Can Germany Revive its Economy?
Max and Donatienne break down the results of German election and discuss what a new government could mean for the Germany's economic trajectory. They then welcome Sander Tordoir, chief economist at the Centre for European Reform, to discuss Germany’s economic malaise and preview how a new German government may impact the European economy.Learn more:Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts

Feb 24, 2025 • 34min
Tumultuous Times in Europe
In this crossover episode with the Truth of the Matter, Max Bergmann joins Host Andrew Schwartz to discuss the current state of European security, the potential for a U.S.-Europe tech war, how Ukraine negotiations might evolve, and more.

Feb 14, 2025 • 41min
Trump’s Tariff Threats and a Conversation with Anu Bradford
Max and Donatienne discuss how the EU can respond to Trump’s tariffs and whether EU doomerism is overstated. They then turn to a conversation with Anu Bradford, Professor of Law and International Organization at Columbia Law School, to discuss how Washington and Brussels might clash over tech regulation in the second Trump administration. Learn more: Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts

Jan 30, 2025 • 38min
The Coming Transatlantic Tech Collisions and a Conversation with Federico Rampini
Max and Donatienne recap Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen’s speeches at the World Economic Forum in Davos before previewing European tech regulation during Trump’s second term. Then, they turn to a conversation with Federico Rampini, Global Columnist for Corriere della Sera, to discuss Prime Minister Georgia Meloni’s tenure, the state of the Italian economy, and what the second Trump administration means for Italy and the EU. Learn more: Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts

Jan 16, 2025 • 45min
Greenland Back on Trump’s Menu and a Conversation with Jeremy Cliffe
Max, Donatienne, and Otto discuss Trump’s recent statements about Greenland and the reactions to Elon Musk’s interjections into European politics. They are then joined by Jeremy Cliffe, editorial director and senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, to preview the upcoming German elections and Europe’s approach to Trump’s return to the White House. Learn more: Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts The Merz doctrine: What a CDU-led government would mean for German foreign policy | ECFR Searching for Deutschland Podcast - Apple Podcasts


